The session focused on developing a literature review and understanding how it supports the thesis. We looked at how to structure and write a literature review in a way that creates a balanced academic argument. The session also introduced the idea of the “golden thread”, meaning that the research question, literature review, methodology and final argument should all connect clearly throughout the thesis.
A key point from the session was that a literature review is not just a list of sources. It should explain how different authors, theories and debates relate to the research topic. A literature review helps identify what is already known, where there are gaps in the research, and how my own project can contribute to the discussion. Rowley and Slack explain that a literature review supports the identification of a research topic or question, builds understanding of key concepts and helps contextualise the research within existing literature.
We also looked at how to approach a literature review structurally. One useful method is the “funnel” approach: starting with broader background research, then narrowing the focus, and finally discussing the most relevant sources directly connected to the research question. This helped me understand that my literature review should not begin too specifically. I need to first introduce wider ideas around media, conflict, animation and representation before focusing on animated documentary, war narratives and civilian experience.
The session also made it clear that sources need to be academic and reliable. We were reminded to use peer-reviewed texts, books and scholarly articles, and to avoid relying on personal blogs, film reviews or YouTube unless they are being used for a specific animation reference. This is important for my research because my topic deals with serious subjects such as war, media language and civilian suffering, so the sources need to be credible and critically useful.
Another important point was how to write in an academic style. The guidelines explain that thesis writing should avoid personal or emotive language, avoid sweeping generalisations, and use formal academic phrasing. This is something I need to keep in mind because my topic is emotional, but the writing still needs to remain objective and analytical.