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ENGL102: Literature and Literary Criticism: Getting Started

What You Need To Do First

Read Your Work of Literature

  • Your best understanding of your work comes from your own reading and thinking
  • Critical sources are intended to assist your own analysis.
  • You will also be able to use critical sources much more effectively after you have acquired personal knowledge of the work.

Identify Your Search Terms

Usually when doing Literature Research the best (but not the only) search terms to use are:

  • Title of the Work
  • Author’s Name
  • Other works by the author

Literary movements and theories may also yield good search results depending on your topic and assignment.

Bess & Frank Gladhill Learning Commons Hours and Location

The physical Learning Commons is closed until May 20, 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the College transitioning to online instruction. Library and Tutoring services are still available digitally.

  • Search our FAQs or contact us if you need help with research. 
  • Tutoring is available online through your Blackboard Course. More information can be found at our Online Tutoring Page.
  • If you need help finding access to computers and/or the internet, send an email to assist@frederick.edu or call 301-846-2469.

Find Background and Overviews of Your Work

Find  biographical and critical information on most authors, subjects, and works of literature in these databases.

How to do Research in College

Other Helpful Guides

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