Getting Started
One of the most difficult steps in the paper writing process is choosing a topic.
When selecting a literature related topic, start by asking yourself these questions.
Am I interested in researching for:
- analysis of stories by a specific author? (e.g. Ursula K. Le Guin, Toni Morrison)
- articles about a specific author or the author's work? (e.g. The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, Beloved)
- a style, genre or period? (e.g. Gothic, Romantic, Post-Modern)
- a theoretical or analytical approach? (e.g., feminist, narrative)
Recommended Databases
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MLA International Bibliography This link opens in a new window
A definitive index for the study of language, literature, linguistics, rhetoric and composition, folklore, and film.
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JSTOR This link opens in a new window
Access all JSTOR archival journal collections, now also including Sustainability, Public Health, Security Studies, and more.
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Project MUSE This link opens in a new window
A collection of journals and eBooks covering essential humanities, social sciences, and other topics.
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British Library Newspapers (1732-1950) This link opens in a new window
This collection contains full runs of 48 newspapers that best represent nineteenth and early twentieth century Britain.
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Early English Books Online This link opens in a new window
From the first book published in English through the age of Spenser and Shakespeare, this collection contains more than 125,000 titles in many subject areas: including English literature, history, philosophy, linguistics, theology, music, fine arts, education, mathematics, and science.
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Humanities Index This link opens in a new window
Provides citations and abstracts to articles in internationally respected humanities journals and weekly magazines published in the UK and other English-speaking countries, as well as quality newspapers published in the UK.
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Academic Search Premier This link opens in a new window
Provides citations and abstracts to articles, as well as full text of articles from over 4,600 publications, covering almost every academic subject.
Other Databases
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Oxford English Dictionary This link opens in a new window
Provides full text dictionary definitions from all 20 volumes of the print edition plus the 3-volume Additions Series.
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Literature Criticism Online This link opens in a new window
Brings together 10 of the most acclaimed literary series from Gale: Contemporary Literary Criticism, Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism, Nineteenth-Century Literature Criticism, Literature Criticism from 1400-1800, Shakespearean Criticism, Classical and Medieval Literature Criticism, Poetry Criticism, Short Story Criticism, Drama Criticism, Children’s Literature Review.
Finding Journal Articles at MSU Guide
See our Journal Articles guide to learn more about finding articles for your research.
Find a Journal, Magazine, or Newspaper
The following search box lists journals, magazines and newspapers available from Library Services. This link is most useful when you have a citation and know the title of the publication.