A literature review is a descriptive summary of research on a topic that has previously been studied. The purpose of a literature review is to inform readers of the significant knowledge and ideas that have been established on a topic. Its purpose is to compare, contrast and/or connect findings that were identified when reviewing researchers' work. Oftentimes, literature reviews are written to ground a study in a particular context of what is known about a subject in order to establish a foundation for the topic (or question) being researched.

The purpose of this assignment is to facilitate your abilities to research a topic of study so you can learn to:

(1) identify and formulate an inquiry question that defines what you'd like to learn

(2) apply your knowledge on reading research that you've learned in class

(3) analyze information found in outside sources

(4) synthesize new knowledge into a written small-scale literature review.