Read scholarly articles. If you're studying the history of American literature, for example, visit academic websites such as JSTOR.org and Project Muse and seek out articles that pertain to the development of American literature. If you're researching Mark Twain's contributions to American literature, look for scholarly articles that analyze his writings.
Watch TV programs. If you're taking a course in business English, watch cable news channels such as CNBC, Fox Business Channel, and CNN. These channels often have documentaries and talk shows where the hosts are using business English to describe economic issues and trends. Also watch how-to programs which teach you proper business English.
Read fiction and non-fiction books that deal with English-related subjects. For example, if you're taking a course in poetry writing, pick up books from a variety of well-known poets such as Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, Maya Angelou and Nikki Giovanni. If you're teaching yourself how to write biographies, get a few books that profile the lives of certain politicians, entertainers or religious leaders.