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English Literature

A guide to resources in English literary studies.

Ask questions about academic research

Confused about something during or after our session on finding sources? Post anonymously to this Padlet and I will respond!

Academic encyclopedias or dictionaries (a small selection)

Grove Music Online

Novanet: Search for academic books and journal articles

You can search Novanet using keywords related to musicians, musical genres, musical movements, etc. For your final rhetorical analysis, you can use Novanet to find books and articles related to rhetorical strategies.

Journals to browse

Popular Music

We have current issues and backfiles going back to 1981. Click on the Cambridge University Press link for current and the JSTOR link for older issues.

Online sources: Tips for searching

A search engine like Google may be a great option for this assignment. Did you know that you can target your Google searches to specific publications, including the ones your professor has recommended? (e.g., Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Spin, Consequence of Sound).

Simply pair your search terms with a site limiter (site:). Here is what that would look like using Beyoncé's "Texas Hold 'Em" as an example:

  • "Texas Hold 'Em" site:pitchfork.com
  • "Texas Hold 'Em" site:rollingstone.com
  • "Texas Hold 'Em" site:billboard.com
  • "Texas Hold 'Em" site:spin.com
  • "Texas Hold 'Em" site:consequence.net
  • "Texas Hold 'Em" site:theconversation.com

You can also do this with popular news sources like The New York Times and The Globe and Mail. If you find articles that are paywalled, you can search for them in Novanet and access them via Dal subscriptions.

Need help?

If so, just ask! You can email me with questions or book an appointment.