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English Composition
Welcome to the research guide for Composition 1Ⅰ. The resources in this guide have been selected to help you make this class a success.
See below for course information and answers to common questions about finding the material you need.
Search the Library Catalog
Frequently Asked Questions
Making mistakes is part of the learning process.
However, there are several resources you can use that will assist you in creating a citation in Modern Language Association (MLA) format, which you will use in this class.
Websites
Try these links for reliable information on MLA style:
- MLA Style Homepage
The authority on MLA style and the current edition of the MLA Handbook.
- MLA Formatting & Style Guide
Thorough, user-friendly description of MLA style from the OWL at Purdue.
Book
The official guide to MLA style is available at the front desk of the J. W. Martin Library.
MLA Handbook, 9th Edition, by Call Number: Ref. 808.027 M7206m9 (On Reserve)ISBN: 9781603295611Publication Date:An all-in-one resource that makes MLA style easier to learn and use, the MLA Handbook includes expanded, in-depth guidance on creating works-cited-list entries using the MLA template of core elements.
Whenever you give information from another source, you must credit that source.
If it’s a direct quote, you must include an in-text citation and put the quoted material in quotation marks or, if it’s particularly long, set it off in an indented paragraph (a blockquote). If you paraphrase, you still must include a citation, and you must ensure that the paraphrase does not match the wording or sentence structure of the original too closely.
Check out this infographic:
Checking Out
The record in the catalog will include a link if an eBook is available.
Most of our eBooks are hosted by the company EBSCO. You will need to log into or create an EBSCO account to download an eBook.
See the eBook guide for full instructions:
- eBook Help Page
Tips on downloading eBooks from our library catalog, EBSCOhost, Gale eBooks, and more.
Returning
You do not need to return a downloaded eBook. Once the lending period has ended, the title returns to the library.
The maximum checkout period is . You can’t renew an eBook, but you can check it out again.
If you search in any of our research databases, you will usually have the option to limit results to Full Text only.
This will display only articles immediately available in either HTML or PDF format. Try any of the databases available through EBSCOhost.
- All EBSCOhost Databases
- Why search here? The EBSCOhost platform allows you to select multiple databases and search them simultaneously. This is useful for multidisciplinary research or if you’re uncertain which database is most suitable.
- What’s included? Most of the EBSCO products to which we subscribe can be searched through this portal.
A search in an EBSCO database will allow you to refine your results:
All of our online resources are available off campus.
You may sometimes encounter a log-in screen like this:
Simply use the same username and password you use on Self Service.
Best Bets
The following can help you start your research.
See the Library Resources tab for more extensive lists of suggested materials.
- Academic Search Complete
- Why search here? This database contains peer-reviewed articles on almost every academic subject.
- What’s included? Content includes over 5,000 full-text journals and over 200 full-text magazines, as well as full-text monographs and conference proceedings. Additional content includes citations and abstracts for many more journals and other publications.
- MasterFILE Complete
- Why search here? This collection contains a wide selection of popular magazines, reference books, and primary-source documents on many subjects. It is especially useful for researching business and current events.
- What’s included? The collection includes over 2,300 magazines, 1,100 eBooks, 55,000 primary-source documents, and 75,000 Associated Press videos, as well as an image collection.
English at Northwestern
These links will take you to official NWOSU university pages.
- School of Arts & Sciences
The departments within the school offer a total of fifteen majors and twenty minors at the undergraduate level and a master of arts in American studies at the graduate level.
- English, Foreign Language & Humanities
The Department of English, Foreign Language & Humanities offers a broad range of courses leading to the bachelor of arts degree in English or English education. Students may also pursue a minor in English, writing, or Spanish.
- EnglishThe English Program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University offers a full range of courses in American, British, and world literature in addition to courses in creative writing, film studies, technical writing, and advanced composition in order to prepare students for academic and non-academic professional endeavors.