Creating a literature review is a foundational step in any research process. Whether part of a larger work, such as a thesis or journal article, or a standalone text, a ‘lit review’ shows your awareness and understanding of the academic literature on your research topic. It also critically engages that literature as a contextualization and justification for your research. 

This two-session workshop series, offered by the MIT Writing and Communication Center, explores the fundamentals of designing and building a literature review. Led by WCC Lecturer Chris Featherman, PhD, the workshops consider the following:  

• how GenAI tools, when used critically and responsibly, can facilitate and expedite the crafting of a lit review
• what a lit review can accomplish, how and why it accomplishes those goals
• how to plan and organize a literature review
• how to find an entry point into a research conversation
• how to synthesize sources into fluid, engaging writing

Session 1: Designing a Literature Review (Tue, Jan 6th, 11am-12:15pm)
Session 2: Building a Literature Search (Wed, Jan 7th, 11am-12:15pm)

Pre-registration is required. Please sign up here.