The introduction should include:
• the nature of the topic under discussion (the topic of your independent project)
• the parameters of the topic (what does it include and exclude?)
• the basis for your selection of the literature
The main body could include relevant paragraphs on:
• historical background, including classic texts
• current mainstream versus alternative theoretical or ideological viewpoints, including
differing theoretical assumptions, and competing interests
• possible approaches to the subject (empirical, philosophical, postmodernist, etc.)
• definitions in use
• current areas of research focus
• current discoveries about the topic
• principal questions that are being asked
• general conclusions that are being drawn
• methodologies and methods in use
The conclusion should include:
• A summary of major agreements and disagreements in the literature
• A summary of general conclusions that are being drawn