When studying postcolonial and contemporary British and Irish literature, you may begin your search a little differently than with other eras of literature. As you start your research, consider using the following methods.
Sometimes it is best to try a simple Google search of the author or novel itself to find sources such as speeches, interviews, and other articles that pertain to the subject at hand for primary resources.
As you move into looking for secondary sources and criticism, you will want to cast a wide net with your search. Don’t limit yourself to one particular idea at the beginning of your search. You will also want to be careful with the search term “postcolonial” because this term is frequently debated within the field. Since colonialism isn’t over, many scholars don’t like to use the prefix “post.” You might try different terms or terms related to the following: “Anthropocene,” “human rights,” or “eco-criticism.”
Finally, be flexible If you are working with a newer text, there may not be much published writing out there that has been peer-reviewed. If you struggle to find appropriate sources, consider looking into other types of secondary sources such as: Other types of journals such as law, history, etc.; theory that can be applied to the work you’re studying; and sources, both popular and scholarly, about an author’s other works that can be incorporated into your research.
Major journals that publish on a particular topic are promising starting places when looking for current conversations happening in the field.
Whether you are looking for more information about a particular field, hoping to present on a subject, or looking for other places to potentially find sources, major professional organizations or conferences in the field can offer great insight. Here are two potential places to continue your search.