Skip to Main Content
[NJIT Library Logo]

History

This research guide is intended to provide resources for History faculty and students.

Books on Writing History

How to Write a Literature Review in History

cover of the book A Brief History of Crime

Goals of a Literature Review

Before doing work in primary sources, historians must know what has been written on their topic. They must be familiar with theories and arguments–as well as facts–that appear in secondary sources.

Before you proceed with your research project, you too must be familiar with the literature: you do not want to waste time on theories that others have disproved and you want to take full advantage of what others have argued.  You want to be able to discuss and analyze your topic.

Your literature review will demonstrate your familiarity with your topic’s secondary literature.

More . . . 

New Jersey Institute of Technology
University Heights, Newark, New Jersey 07102-1982
(973) 596-3206
Contact Us | Ask A Librarian |  Map & Directions | A to Z Site Index

Copyrighted 2024 | Robert W. Van Houten Library