CJA 499 Module 3 Assignment 2 LASA 1 Literature Review Paper CJA 499 Module 3 Assignment 2 LASA 1 Literature Re | Page 2

•Begin the review by defining the objective of the paper. Introduce the reader to your focal
question. What is this question intended to address? You may state your “question” in the form
of a problem if you like. Describe the topic for your literature review and why you chose this
topic. Explain why you think it is important. It is also useful to tell the reader how the review is
organized in your introduction section, before you the transition into the body of the review.
•Organize your literature review paper by themes/theories/concepts, rather than article by
article. If there is one major theme you want to highlight, state the theme. If there are three
major themes or streams of thought on the topic, briefly name them—and then organize the
balance of your literature review around those three streams. Think of themes, theories,
concepts, lines of thought, and ideas as organizing strategies for your literature review. Your
creativity in this assignment is not the content or findings but the clarity with which you
organize the review and create a context for understanding the focal question.
•When you are done introducing the first line of thought, create a new paragraph to discuss
studies which present another line of thought or opposing view.
•Your literature review should hit the high points of each article. You should not discuss a single
article, one by one, like a grocery list. Zero in on the main theme or finding and then move on
to the next theme. Remember, this is a synthesis, an integration of all the things you have
learned. You are creating a discussion on paper, which in turn gives the reader a context for
understanding where the scholarship has been, where it is currently, and where it likely will be
heading next. Provide enough details to help the reader understand the significance of the
studies you cite without “rebuilding Rome.” Be sure to evaluate the studies and offer critical
comments on any shortcomings you’ve observed or that have been reported by the authors.
•Discuss the main findings and their implications. Given the results of your literature review,
what is/are the prevailing argument(s)? What research question could you ask in order to
further develop this area of study and contribute to the existing body of knowledge? Complete
your review by drawing conclusions about your body of research and identifying gaps in the
research which still remain to be explored, maybe even by you! Make an argument as to why
your research question is important and relevant to the current work being done on your topic.