Kara K. Yates: Reflections of a Researcher

INTRODUCTION: Reflections of a Researcher
 

Assignment 1: Recent Studies in Restoration & 18th-Century Literature
 

Assignment 2: Critical Website Evaluation
 

Assignment 3: MLA & WorldCat Topic Search
 

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Kara K. Yates, 2008

      The most challenging assignment was assignment number one, research on Cynthia Wall's Recent Studies in the Restoration of the 18th Century.  This assignment was challenging because the language that Wall chose to use was complex.  However, after dissecting the language, her contribution to the discourse of 18th century literary studies was very insightful.  It is both inspiring and encouraging to explore the works of scholars like Wall because she is deeply invested in the works of 18th century writers.

      The most useful assignment of the three provided on this site, is the Critical Website Evaluation.  This assignment took a very analytical approach to viewing a research website, something that ALL scholars should master. Using the West Virginia Library website, I was able to broaden my research methods by obtaining different ideas about finding relevant information. 

   As a student of 19th century literature studies, I learned a lot about my strengths and weaknesses.  I believe that I am strong in the area of finding relevant sources that pertain to my desired topic.  For example, while researching Eliza Haywood and feminism, I realized that my results would help me to write a very knowledgeable paper because I was able to find great information to guide me into the right direction.  However, I do not think that I am as strong as I could be in narrowing my topic to something that hasn't already been said be contributing scholars.  What I found was that many scholars had much to say about Haywood from a feminist perspective.  What I wish to become better at is narrowing my topic so that I can say something unique when entering the intellectual conversation.

I want my peers to know that research is very important to understanding a specific genre of literature.   What I found in my studies as a student of 18th century literature, is that many of the events and works that derived from that time period have much in common.  Because of the methods of researching that I've used for these assignment, I can now say that I know a lot more about 18th century British literature than I did before.  Because of my efforts, I feel more comfortable entering the scholarly conversation about a specific topic.  Researching is an invaluable skill that can take you a long way in all aspects of life.