To present the reader with a fairly comprehensive, yet focused, selection of the scholarly sources on a given topic
Provide a bird's-eye view or general review of a specialized field
More narrowed prelude to a proposal for future study or to a review of literature
It is your chance to:
Provide an overview of your topic and illustrate that you know your subject well
Show off your abilities to do bibliographical research
Identify the theses or arguments of the books and articles you have chosen
Place research on a particular topic in an historical context
Assess the value of the reference for other scholars in the field and thus participate in the conversation of your academic community
Describe the usefulness of the texts for your own research and distinguish areas for further research, thus helping you find your own way toward a working thesis argument
