Foundations of Research: Building a Literature Review

3 units

This course provides training in essential research and writing skills needed to either contextualize and justify a research study or to synthesize existing research on a specific topic. The main outcome of the course is a completed literature review and a well-defined, researchable question on a topic of your choice. Before beginning a study, researchers must develop a compelling and meaningful research question. This question should be grounded in existing knowledge, informed by prior research, and justified by gaps in our current understanding. Researchers communicate this rationale through a literature review, which serves to contextualize, justify, and motivate their research. Writing and revising a literature review is a key part of this process, as the act of writing helps clarify and refine your thinking. Class topics include advanced database searching, evaluating the quality and types of sources, summarizing and analyzing literature, constructing logical and persuasive arguments, managing references and data, visualizing information, writing with clarity and style, and using generative AI as a tool for research and writing. You will learn and practice these skills through readings, homework, class discussions, and activities. Over the semester, you will complete a series of assignments that build toward your final literature review. Your grade will be based on participation, homework, in-class work, and assignments related to your literature review. The course is recommended for juniors and seniors. While Environmental Studies majors and minors have enrollment priority, students from all majors are welcome.