Research Guides: ENGL 1301/1302: Research Starter Guide: Researching Controversial Topics

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Purpose

This section of the guide is intended to serve as a starting point for students researching controversial or "hot" topics, or working on various kinds of pro/con and problem/solution papers.

This guide is not comprehensive; it does not list all of the resources in this or related disciplines owned by the Library or available on the Internet. It merely serves as a starting point for research. You may find additional information in your course textbook, lecture notes, or from your professor.

How-To Help on Writing About Controversy

Analyzing Controversy
Call Number: BC177 .C53 1997 - 4th floor
Learn more about how to read and evaluate opinion pieces and how to write papers about controversy.

Key Databases

Britannica ProCon

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.
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.
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.
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Book Series in the SHSU Library

Already chosen a topic?

See if one of these series contains a book on that topic to start your research off on the right foot.

Still looking for a topic?

Browse these book titles for a subject of interest, then dive into the book for lots of information. Also look at the "Find Articles" tab for other ways to browse possible topics.

Current Controversies series
We have more than 95 titles in the Current Controversies series, each providing in-depth coverage on a topic such as the Tea Party Movement, immigration, gays in the military, pollution, vaccines, assisted suicide, and MANY more.
Point/Counterpoint series
Here's another series of books, each focused on presenting opposing arguments on a topic such as the right to privacy, animal rights, and more.

Search the Library Catalog

Search for keywords related to your topic to find relevant books, government documents, and more in the library catalog.