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English: ENG 231 (American Literature I)

A research guide for English students at Mitchell Community College.

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ENG 231 Course Guide

This guide contains additional research tips, tricks, strategies, and resources to help you successfully complete your ENG 231 assignments. Click on the tabs below to learn about tips to construct different types of writing assignments and useful resources for different eras of American literature.

Resources by Period of American Literature

Colonial Period

Articles

Author biographies and notable works

Neoclassical Period

Articles

Author biographies and notable works

Romantic Period (The Beginning)

Articles

Author biographies and notable works

All periods

The following resources are suited for research pertaining to all periods of American literature.

Databases

Resources by Assignment Type

Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a list of citations accompanied by a brief description (the annotation) for each citation. Annotations are typically short paragraphs (150-300 words) that summarize the source, its main points, and an assessment of its value for the reader. Before you begin writing:

  • Read your instructor's guidelines carefully.  Don't assume that you know the details of an assignment based on a brief overview in class or hearsay from your classmates.  For example, be sure that you know what citation style to use.  If there are written guidelines for your assignment, read them completely--and ask your instructor about anything you do not understand--before you begin.
  • Only include quality, relevant sources.  Review sources carefully before adding them to your annotated bibliography.  Make sure that they relate directly to your topic and that they contain useful, credible information.  
  • Summarize your sources in your own words.  Don't take information directly from a source, as this is considered plagiarism.  Be sure to include important points from the source, but be careful not to make annotations too long by including unnecessary details.
  • Remember your audience.  Keep in mind that your essay should be written using college-level language for a professional audience (your instructor).  
  • Provide detailed evaluations.  Provide reasons why you will, or will not, use each source for your research. Use the C.R.A.A.P. Test to evaluate the resource.
    • Currency:  Does my instructor require sources to have been published after a certain date?  Is the information outdated?
    • Relevance:  Does the source relate to my topic?  Is it specific enough?
    • Authority:  Does the author have the credentials to show that they are an expert on this subject?  Is there an organization that sponsored this source, and if so, is it credible and reputable?
    • Accuracy:  Are there spelling/grammar/typographical errors?  Was it edited and published by professionals?
    • Purpose:  Is there bias or strong emotional language throughout the source?  Is it trying to sell you something?

Books & eBooks

Databases

Websites

Literary Research Paper

Before you begin writing:

  • Read your instructor's guidelines carefully.  Don't assume that you know the details of an assignment based on a brief overview in class or hearsay from your classmates.  If there are written guidelines for your assignment, read them completely--and ask your instructor about anything you do not understand--before you begin.
  • Prewrite.  Using your notes to create an outline will give you a road map for writing your paper and will streamline the process.
  • Remember your audience.  Keep in mind that your essay should be written using college-level research for a professional audience (your instructor). 
  • Cite your sources.  If you make a statement that is not your own original thought or common knowledge (ex. "The sky is blue"), or reference other works directly, be sure to cite your source both in-text and at the end of your paper.

Databases

Research Topic Proposal

Writing a research topic proposal gives you the opportunity to map out your project and get feedback from your instructor to ensure you're on the right track from the beginning. Before you begin writing:

  • Read your instructor's guidelines carefully.  Don't assume that you know the details of an assignment based on a brief overview in class or hearsay from your classmates.  If there are written guidelines for your assignment, read them completely--and ask your instructor about anything you do not understand--before you begin.
  • Support your claims with evidence from your research. Don't let emotion or personal bias overshadow your logic and evidence. 
  • Remember your audience.  Keep in mind that your essay should be written using college-level research for a professional audience (your instructor).  Be careful not to condescend to your reader by making assumptions about his/her stance on your topic.
  • Cite your sources.  If you make a statement that is not your own original thought or common knowledge (ex. "The sky is blue"), or reference other works directly, be sure to cite your source both in-text and at the end of your paper.

Databases

Videos

Websites

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