Research Guides: ENGL 1302.22 (Dr. Demson): Selecting a Topic

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Contact:

936-294-1614
lib_ref@shsu.edu

Helpful Databases

If you have a topic already, try searching for it in a database.

You can also browse topics to help you find an issue that interests you.

CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
Explores "hot" issues in the news with in-depth, objective, balanced reports. Topics range from social and teen issues to environment, health, education and science and technology. Every 12,000-word report is written by an experienced journalist and features comments from experts, lawmakers, and citizens on all sides of every issue. Reports also include charts, graphs, sidebar articles, pro-con feature, chronology, lengthy bibliographies, and a list of contacts.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context (OVIC) This link opens in a new window Library of current event topics, including the facts as well as the arguments of each topic's proponents and detractors. Viewpoint articles allow students to explore each topic's many facets. Also features statistics and government data placed in context.
- This link opens in a new window
Access World News This link opens in a new window Search current and archived state, regional, national and international full-text articles on issues, events, business, education, government, politics and more with thousands of newspapers, news journals, news videos, newswires and web-only content. Includes Acceda Noticias, Access Broadcast Transcripts, Access Business News, Access Military, Government & Defense, and Access Newswires.
CountryWatch This link opens in a new window Up-to-date news, reviews, and statistics on social, political, cultural, historical, economic, environmental, and demographic intelligence on recognized countries of the world. Includes maps and global guides on emerging international issues.

English Databases
Click this link for a list of English databases available through the Library

Picking your Topic

NC State University Libraries. (2013, August). Picking Your Topic IS Research. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0B3Gjlu-1o.

Video by NC State University Libraries.

Be a Detective

What are you searching for?
- What is your topic or thesis statement?
- What type of source(s) do you need?
Who are people that can help you on your mission? (Librarians!)
Where can you go to find more information about what you need? (https://library.shsu.edu)
What clues do you follow when you don't find exactly what you need?
- What synonyms can you use instead of the search terms you've been sticking with?
- What are RELATED topics to your search? Brainstorm with a friend.
- Were other sources mentioned in the reference lists on sources you did find that might be useful for your research?

ENGL 1302.22 (Dr. Demson)

Ask a Librarian

Helpful Databases

Picking your Topic

Be a Detective

See Also...