Annotated Links
Resources for Composition and Literaturecompiled by Robert Lunday, Ph.D.
Professor, English Studies
HCCS Southeast Collegeupdated: 3/3/06
Introduction
This is a work-in-progress, as you will see; formatting is unfinished, and the list itself will, we hope, grow to include more categories, more resources, and more finely turned annotations. Keep checking back as we grow! Also, send your suggestions and constructive criticisms. That goes for fellow faculty and students as well.
The Internet offers a vast number and variety of resources for writing. Many people consider print resources to be a better choice than Web-based resources; perhaps the best approach is to combine online resources with a lean-but-mean print reference library (including, for starters, a collegiate dictionary and a writer’s handbook of the sort often required in Composition courses – but an older, cheaper, used one will do if your instructor doesn’t require a particular brand).
Meanwhile, there are billions of pages on the Internet; you can be one or two clicks away from oblivion or pay dirt, so your brain combined with the advice of others is crucial to a successful use of the Web. You need to learn how to do intelligent keyword searching; you need to understand the best ways to use a variety of search engines and directories; and you need to be able to evaluate Web resources, because anyone can publish anything they want to on the Internet; so, the garbage is often very similar to the treasure, on the surface. See the links here to good “Evaluating Web Resources” resources….
What you will find below is a kind of Online Handbook, which is really just a collection of links. What makes it a “handbook,” I suppose, is simply that we have tried to annotate each link in a useful way: to give you a window into each resource before you click there, so that you will have a more-useful map or guide before you start clicking into oblivion. Also, take note of the Keyword Tags to the right of each thumbnail: you can use the "Edit." "Find" function on your browser menu to quickly locate listings good for specific topics, or you can simply eyeball the Keywords as you scroll and browse the page.
There are several advantages to Online resources. Here are a few: Updating and revising is quick and easy; you can quickly, conveniently compare and combine resources; and you can easily cut and paste just what you need into your own custom-made Handbook. I recommend, by the way, that you test the information in one resource against similar materials found in other resources. And keep track of what comes from where! Copy and paste URL’s and website names, as well as author/webmaster information, when available.
Keep in mind that this “handbook” has been written by a large number of different individuals, each with his or her own purposes and opinions. Check with your instructor when you are confused, or find contradictory information. However, a little confusion is fine; and as for contradictory sources: you should strive to become your own best authority, so don’t think of any of this as “perfect” – and that goes for this Introduction as well!
If you find resources that you think are good for writers and English students, or if you find a bad link on this page, please let us know here.
Online Writing Labs
The Owl at Purdue
analysis
argumentation
documentation
esl
grammar
mechanics
mla
rhetoric
writing process
usage
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
This is one of the oldest, most popular, and well-respected “OWLs” (Online Writing Labs). Presently they are in transition from the old site to a new one; I find the new site a bit confusing as yet, so I recommend using the drop-down menu format at the old site (linked from the new one, above). What will you find? Information on grammar, documentation, writing process, etc.
University of Wisconsin – Madison Writing Center Handbook
argumentation
documentation
grammar
mla
rhetoric
writing process
http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/index.html
This site is similar to the Purdue site, (above); if you have trouble locating a particular resource or an answer to a question at Purdue, try this site next.
The University of Victoria's Hypertext Writer's Guide
argumentation
documentation
grammar
mla
rhetoric
writing process
Another simple online writer’s resource, similar to those above.
The Hunter College Reading/Writing Center
argumentation
documentation
grammar
mla
rhetoric
writing process
This attractively-designed, fully-searchable site is the online-resource page for Hunter’s Writing Center. It is a rich resource, both for in-house materials and well-organized links back out to the open Internet (some of which are duplicated here). Search for materials on writing, documentation, conducting research, grammar, etc.
University of West Florida Writing Lab
argumentation
documentation
grammar
mla
rhetoric
writing process
The UWF Writing Lab offers terrific writing-process and grammar tip sheets. From the home page, look into "Grammar Reviews," "Writing Aids," and especially "Write Advice," a newslettr compilation which is enjoyable to read as well as instructive.
University of Richmond Writer’s Web
argumentation
documentation
grammar
mla
rhetoric
writing process
http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb.html
A good, clearly presented series of articles and handouts on the writing process, research, argumentation, etc. Maintained by UR faculty and students, as well.
Professor Rambo: Writing Links
argumentation
documentation
citation
grammar
literature
mla
rhetoric
writing process
http://www.ivcc.edu/rambo/Writing_links.htm
Professor Rambo's copious handouts, checklists, and tip sheets, meant primarily for his own Composition and Literature students, are close to a one-man OWL, and so I have put them in this category. They are detailed, thorough and clearly written -- so explore!
Rhetorical and Literary Terms
The Forest of Rhetoric
argumentation
glossary
rhetoric
terms
vocabulary
http://humanities.byu.edu/rhetoric/silva.htm
Hosted at Brigham Young University, this site created by Dr. Gideon Burton is a comprehensive, well-organized glossary of rhetorical terms. But it is more than a glossary: the reigning metaphor of branches and leaves offers a vivid, meaningful way into a vast, complex, but important (one should stay with the metaphor and say “vital,” yes?) discipline. The taxonomic system should be studied in its own right – don’t just look up the meanings of words. There are many useful explanations and illustrations of rhetorical concepts.
A Glossary of Rhetorical Terms with Examples
glossary
terms
rhetoric
vocabulary
http://www.uky.edu/AS/Classics/rhetoric.html
A list terms (with a multi-generation attribution at the bottom) maintained at the Department of Modern & Classical Languages, Literatures, & Cultures, University of Kentucky.
An Illustrated Glossary of Rhetorical Terms
glossary
terms
rhetoric
vocabulary
http://www.nt.armstrong.edu/terms.htm
This list is an online resource for a Rhetoric course taught by Dr. Richard Norquist at Armstrong Atlantic State University. It’s not as comprehensive as the Forest of Rhetoric site, but use it as a supplement, particularly for contrasting different definitions of the same words. Also, go to Dr. Norquist’s other pages and check out his exercises, among other resources he has made for his courses.
Jack Lynch: Glossary of Rhetorical and Literary Terms
glossary
terms
literaturerhetoric
vocabulary
http://ethnicity.rutgers.edu/~jlynch/Terms/index.html
Check here to compare definitions from other glossary sites. Dr. Pynvh has other good resources, including a grammar & style manual (listed on this page).
Research
Google Scholar
articles
books
journals
research
Google Scholar (one of numerous Google tools; explore their "more" link) is a useful tool though not necessarily easy to use. However, give it a try as a way (after trying a library-catalog search) of finding specific titles and authors of books and articles that make reference to your topic. You will be able to see only a few pages of the print resource, but you will then know precisely what page numbers to look at when you get to the library and have the hard-copy book in your hands.
Amazon.com/"Search Inside This Book"
books
research The Search Inside This Book" function is good by itself; however, if you log in, you can also get lists of books that include your key words, and can find references on precise pages. The pages cannot be printed or copied, but you will have discovered titles and authors of books that make even brief references to your topic, and further, you know the precise page numbers of those references. It is like a super-powered all-book index! Well, not "all"books; I believe Amazon has scanned the entire contents of more than 100,000 titles, though, so it's of great use to a researcher. You can write down the information (I haven't tried "print screen" on it yet), but of course, Amazon will be happy if you buy the book. but if you prefer, you can search the specific title and author in the library catalog. Remember that you must be logged into an Amazon account, but that is simply a matter of providing an email and password. Under the books listed after your keyword search, you will see links to one or more pages in the book that include your search terms. It is helful, I have found, to click the "books" link on the left, to filter out other search categories. Also important: At the end of the primary listings, you will see: "Only the most relevant results for your search were displayed. Click here to see additional results." This leads to many more book listings with individual-page results.
Genamics JournalSeek
articles
citations
journals
research
An open-Internet database for journal-article citations – not full-text articles, but an easy way to get titles and authors.
Complete Planet
deep Web
databases
research
search engines
Purportedly a tool for searching the “deep Web.” They say about themselves: “Discover over 70,000+ searchable databases and specialty search engines.”
Those Dark Hiding Places: The Invisible Web Revealed
deep Web
research http://library.rider.edu/scholarly/rlackie/Invisible/Inv_Web.html
Another, and better-indexed and annotated, “deep Web” resource. Compiled by Robert J. Lackie, Associate Professor-Librarian, Rider University.
Academic Info
Internet research Not a bad access point for some useful Web sites, but ad-heavy; advertisers are listed in the same format as the resources, which one might find slightly annoying...
BUBL Information Service
articles
Internet
journals
research
Very good, varied, well-organized site from the UK.
Infomine
articles
Internet
journals
research
Ditto the above site; this one from the University of California-Riverside.
Librarians' Internet Index
Internet research Their slogan: "Websites you can trust." A sophisticated, Web-directory-style site, with RSS capability.
The Internet Public Library
articles
Internet
journals
research
IPL offers good cross-referenceing and subdirectories to its resources -- a good way to search for online journals.
Pinakes: A Subject Launchpad
Internet research http://www.hw.ac.uk/libWWW/irn/pinakes/pinakes.html
Quite varied listing of content-specific services; another UK entry. It's a little slow to load, however...
Internet Scout Project
Internet research http://scout.wisc.edu/index.php
From their "about" page:
"Since 1994, the Scout Project has focused on developing better tools and services for finding, filtering, and presenting online information and metadata.
Located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison's campus, and part of the University's College of Letters and Sciences, Scout has access to highly educated content specialists and a world-class array of computer science and library resources. Our eclectic staff blends academics and professionals from Library Science and Computer Science, along with graduate and undergraduate students studying the sciences, social sciences and humanities."
Gutenberg.org
etexts more etexts Very plain-Jane text versions, but Project Gutenberg is the oldest, most vast collection of etexts around. Easy to search and download, and they RSS their latest additions nightly!
University of Virginia Library Etext Center
etexts more etexts http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/
About as good as Gutenberg, but a little better organized -- sub-categories, drop-down menus, and so forth.
Using Quotations in Your Essay
brackets
citations
ellipses
mla
plagiarism
quotations
http://www2.sjsu.edu/faculty/patten/usingquotes.html
This is a brief explanation of the topic, with examples. It includes explanations of the use of ellipses and hyphens.
How to Use Sources and Avoid Plagiarism
brackets
citations
ellipses
mla
plagiarism
quotations
http://info.wlu.ca/writing/handouts/usesources.htm
This page, offered at the web site of Wilfred Laurier University in Canada, is somewhat longer, more detailed, and more schematic than the web site on quotations above.
Common Problems Associated with Integrating Direct Quotations into Literary Analysis Essays
analysis
argumentation
citations
mla
plagiarism
quotations
http://www.cariboo.bc.ca/disciplines/eng309/quoting.htm
Subtitled "A Research Essay by Gord Hardman & Bob McPherson," this page is much more detailed, than the above two; it begins with a conceptual discussion of citation, and goes on to offer annotationed links to other sites on the topic, as well as a keener schamatic explanation of issues than the site above.
Integrating Quotations
brackets
citations
ellipses
plagiarism
quotations
signal verbs
http://www.engl.virginia.edu/writing/wctr/Quotations.html
This online handout is presented by the University of Virginia Writing Center. It is concise, easy to understand, but through. It includes a good list of signal verbs as well.
Researched Papers: Integrating Good Sources
citations
documentation
mla
plagiarism
quotations
research
http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic/sources/integrating.htm
Professor Jerz' site is really a more detailed discussion of research, citation, and documentation, but it includes discussion of quotation as well. Explore his other resources on linked pages.
MLA Documentation
MLA.org: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
citations
documentation
mla
research
(pictured: MLA.org home page)
We’ve linked here to the “Frequently Asked Questions” page at mla.org, because that’s the particular resource on their site that students will find of value; but click “home” to see other interesting pages as well. The FAQ’s are a good resource for updates to MLA documentation parameters, in particular for the citation and documentation of electronic (online) resources. Take note that MLA publishes the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (Sixth Edition), which is the “Bible” of MLA documentation (the main source of answers to your documentation questions, but not always the best first source to consult for every question). This book is available in most libraries, often as a Reference item, or on Reserve; ask your instructor or librarian. Be sure to look at other resources mentioned under “Online Writing Labs” and elsewhere in this “MLA Documentation” category.
Citation Machine
documentation
citations
format
mla
plagiarism
quotations
This is the first of three "mechanical" Works Cited aids on this list. They are all free, but one of the others (easyBib) has an inexpensive paid version. "Garbage in, garbage out" applies, as with most things in computing and life! That is, you still need to do your part, and think a little bit. But see which of these helps you understand the way to achieve consistency and clarity in your Works Cited entries. Citation Machine seems to be the most efficient of these free services, but try to others, too. If you have money, there are paid services and software packeages: EndNote and Noodle Tools, for example. But you're better off spending your money in other ways....
EasyBib
documentation
citations
format
mla
plagiarism
quotations
EasyBib seems okay, too -- and there is a cheap yearly subscription, if you want to spend a little money on something you can probably learn to do yourself. First, though, try out the free service.
BibBuilder
documentation
citations
format
mla
plagiarism
quotations
http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/academic/bib_builder/index.html
Located on the same site as "Researched Papers: Integrating Good Sources," above. Professor Jerz also reminds you of the "garbage in, garbage out" rule.
Scholar Word
This one is a free downlaod, though you can upgrade to a paid version. It is integrated directly into MS Word. So, you main consideration might be whether you like downloading plug-ins...
Online Dictionaries & Encyclopedic References
Merriam-Webster Online
dictionary
pronunciation
reference
usage
The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (currently 11th Edition) is one of the top “collegiate” dictionaries (not nearly as large or expensive as the “international” dictionaries, but much more comprehensive and useful than “pocket” dictionaries – and still more or less portable, unlike the “international” dictionaries). This web site is a good free online resource, with audio for pronunciation-checking among other useful tools.
Wikipedia
dictionary
pronunciation
research
usage
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
The Web’s most famed encyclopedia – allegedly, its accuracy matches that of the Britannica (meaning neither one is 100%, mind you!). A terrific starting places, a truly living and growing effort; illustrated and amply hyperlinked.
The Freedictionary.com
dictionary
reference
thesaurus
usage
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/
[annotation]
WordIQ.com
dictionary
reference
thesaurus
usage
A good multipurpose site, self-described below: comes with a nifty toolbar (if you have room on your browser bar for another one of those!).
“WordIQ.com is a comprehensive and searchable reference tool on the web. We offer search results from a diverse array of dictionary, encyclopedia, thesaurus, and other valuable references. Our website is completely free with minimal amounts of advertising so that you can maximize your learning experience.”
Evaluating Web Resources
Binghamton University: The A B C Ds of Evaluating Internet Resources
Internet Web sites
http://library.lib.binghamton.edu/search/evaluation.html
This SUNY Binghamton Libraries site has a good set of evaluative categories, and is framed as a series of critical questions. Also includes links to other “evaluation” sites on the Web.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Or, Why it’s Good to Evaluate Web Resources
Internet
Web sites http://lib.nmsu.edu/instruction/eval.html
From Susan Beck at New Mexico State University Libraries, another good set of critical questions, with a similar set of evaluative categories. Also has examples and a bibliography.
Evaluating Internet Resources
Internet
Web sites http://library.albany.edu/internet/evaluate.html
A somewhat different set of criteria, in a briefer format; from the Albany (NY) University Libraries.
General & Miscellaneous Resources
Academic Tips.org
note-taking
study skills A good collection of advice sheets on several basic study-skill topics: memory improvement, note-taking, preparing for exams, reading, etc.
Bartleby.com
etexts
dictionary
grammar
mechanics
usage
thesaurus
You will find a wealth of resources at Bartleby. Besides a large collection of fiction and poetry, the site includes the King James Bible, the American Heritage Dictionary, Roget's Thesaurus, various encylcopedias, usages guides, and Strunk's Style. The Bartleby site offers easy-to-use drop-down menus and useful sub-categories.
Eserver.org
argumentation
etexts
literature
research
rhetoric
Eserver, now hosted at Iowa State University (formerly at Carnegie Mellon), is one of the older online resources in English and related studies, predating the Web itself. What is it good for? Research in a wide variety of genre, theory, and historical-period studies in literature, as well as Rhetoric and writing. From their “About” page: “The EServer is a growing online community where hundreds of writers, artists, editors and scholars gather to publish and discuss their works.”
The Dictionary of the History of Ideas
reference
research http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/DicHist/dict.html
The full text of what was a five-volume printed book, now OP. A very good encyclopedic reference to… well, ideas, or a variety of intellectual and cultural concepts, if you want the wordy explanation. Edited by Philip P. Wiener. While you’re there, take good not of the University of Virginia etext collection that hosts this.
Adflip.com
analysis
visual rhetoric Much of the site is available to paid subscribers, but there is still a wealth of material available for free. The images of magazine advertisements are searchable by decade, brand, or product.
Magazine Ads.com
analysis
visual rhetoric More simply organized than the above, but all free for viewing.
Presentations.com
oral communications
presentations http://www.presentations.com/presentations/index.jsp
A very sophisticated companion site to the magazine, with changing articles on a varitey of presentation-related topics.
Effective Presentations
oral communications
presentations http://www.ot.kumc.edu/jradel/effective.html
A little less sophisticated than the site above, but consistent, straightforward, and informative; PowerPoint based presentations on presentations.
Rhetorical Analysis
Writing a Rhetorical Analysis
argumentation
rhetorical analysis (pictured: UBC Writing Centre home page)
http://www.writingcentre.ubc.ca/workshop/tools/rhet1.htm
The University of British Columbia Writing Centre maintains a good series of resources, so after reading this brief but useful series of questions on RA, be sure to check the left-hand navigation bar for other materials of value. Also: keep in mind that what your instructor means by "Rhetorical Analysis" might be different from what you find on these sites.
Rhetorical Analysis
argumentation rhetorical analysis http://www.psu.edu/dept/cew/writingcenter/UWC/rhetanalysis.htm
This author (writing for the Penn State Undergraduate Writing Center) frames the analysis according to the three appeals (ethos, logos, pathos). There are many possible templates that one might follow, so check with your instructor as to what criteria your Rhetorical Analysis is supposed to include.
Rhetorical Analysis
argumentation rhetorical analysis http://wrt-howard.syr.edu/Handouts/RhetAnal.html
A model created by Rebecca Moore Howard of Syracuse University.
A Short Handbook on Rhetorical Analysis
argumentation rhetorical analysis http://english.ecu.edu/~wpbanks/rhetoric/rhetanalysis.html
This is a thorough, concise, classically oriented online handbook by William P. Banks of East Carolina University.
Understanding Misunderstandings: How to Do a Rhetorical Analysis
argumentation rhetorical analysis http://slatin2.cwrl.utexas.edu/~roberts-miller/rhetanalysis.htm
This is not attributed, but it’s on the server used by the University of Texas Computer Writing and Research Lab, and in a folder attributed to Professor Patricia Roberts-Miller; so, I’ll call it hers. In any case, it is a cogent, conceptually rigorous discussion of Rhetorical Analysis.
Alex Irvine's Online "Letter From Birmingham Jail"
argumentation
rhetorical analysis http://alexirvine.net/mlk/birmingham_jail.html#beginning
A very heavily annotated hypertext version of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “Letter.” A good example of “informed reading,” and of the knowledge the ideal educated reader brings to the text at hand.
“How to Read a Primary Source” and “How to Read a Secondary Source”
reading strategies
research
http://academic.bowdoin.edu/WritingGuides/
Both of these handouts – heuristics is a fancy name for what they are, really – are at the “Reading, Writing, and Researching for History: A Guide for College Students.” We’ve put these under “Rhetorical Analysis,” but they might fit better under “Research” resources – and as the site title indicates, they’re focused on historical materials. But the advice is useful to add in to your general understanding of reading texts.
Literary Analysis
Literature and Writing Essay Resources: Analyzing a Passage
literature
literary analysis
http://www.goshen.edu/english/litanalysis.html
Prepared by Beth Martin Birky of the Goshen College English Department, this resource discusses the analysis of literary texts, and offers short example passages as well.
Writing Papers of Literary Analysis
literary analysis http://unix.cc.wmich.edu/~cooneys/tchg/lit/adv/lit.papers.html
A compact but detailed set of instructions written by Professor Seamus Cooney of Western Michigan University. As with several other resources listed here, the advice/information is meant primarily for students in courses taught by the individual professor who has created the resource; so, when something here contradicts advice on another page, or given by your own professor, proceed carefully and thoughtfully (and of course, mainly by following your own professor’s instructions, at least for assignments that are meant for his or her course).
Grammar and Style
Jack Lynch: Guide to Grammar and Style
grammar
mechanics
usage
http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~jlynch/Writing/
This is one of several online resources by Professor Lynch, of Rutgers University; see also his Terms guide linked elsewhere on this page. It has an alphabetical interface, is hyperlinked, and includes a bibliography of good print resources for grammar and style.
11 Rules of Writing
grammar
mechanics
usage
http://www.junketstudies.com/rulesofw/
[annotation]
Common Errors in English
grammar
mechanics
usage
http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~brians/errors/errors.html
This site is about “Usage,” or proper word form and word choice; it features frequently confused forms and choices.
Logical Fallacies
Logical Fallacies.info
fallacies
rhetoric
argument
http://www.logicalfallacies.info/
[annotation]
Stephen’s Guide to the Logical Fallacies
fallacies
rhetoric
argument
http://www.datanation.com/fallacies/
[annotation]
Critical & Creative Thinking
Creativity Techniques
critical thinking
argument
http://www.mycoted.com/creativity/techniques/
[annotation]
Mission Critical
critical thinking
argument
http://www2.sjsu.edu/depts/itl/graphics/main.html
San Jose State University’s Critical Thinking site: many good informational pages, good for study of logical fallacies, argumentation, and other related issues.
Argumentation
Argumentation and Critical Thinking Tutorial
critical thinking
argument
http://www.humboldt.edu/~act/HTML/
A series of multimedia resources by Dr. Jay VerLinden, Humboldt University.
Rogerian Rhetoric: An Alternative to Traditional Rhetoric
argumentation
rhetoric
http://www.ucalgary.ca/~dabrent/art/rogchap.html
Professor Douglas Brent of the University of Calvary.
Argumentation and Critical Thinking Rhetoric
argumentation
critical thinking
rhetoric
http://www.sheftman.com/eng2sp05/rhetoric.html
From the pages of Professor David Sheftman at Cabrillo College.
Textbook Companion Sites
1301
The Penguin Handbook
http://wps.ablongman.com/long_faigley_penguinhb_1
The Arlington Reader
http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/toplinks/index.asp?book=bsa&book_id=81
The Norton Reader
http://www.wwnorton.com/write/nortonreader/welcome.htm
The Writer’s Presence
http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/writerspresence/
A Community of Writers
http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/english/elbow/
The Little, Brown Reader
http://wps.ablongman.com/long_stubbs_lbr_9/0,4894,277540-main,00.html
The World is a Text
http://wps.prenhall.com/hss_silverman_worldtext_1/0,6331,490765-main,00.html
Picturing Texts
http://www.picturingtexts.com/
1302
Rereading America
http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/ra/
Elements of Argument
http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/rottenberg/
Current Issues & Enduring Questions
http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/barnetbedau/bcs-pages/welcome_10.html
Literature for Composition
http://www.ablongman.com/barnetlfc6e
Ways of Reading
http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/waysofreading7e/
Everything’s an Argument
http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/everythingsanargument/
Making Literature Matter
http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/mlm
Reconstructing Gender
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/076742771/
Literature: The Human Experience
http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/experience_literature/bcs-pages/welcome_10.html
to be continued...
