How Do I Find a Topic?
Before you begin your research:
- Read the syllabus, noting the description of the assignment.
- Talk to your professor about your topic.
Picking a Topic.
If you are having trouble picking a topic:
- Ask your professor for the names of journals in your field.
- Visit Current Periodicals on the second of the library, and look at them for ideas.
- Browse subject encyclopedia for ideas.
- Reference librarians can assist you in finding a subject encyclopedia on your topic.
- The bibliographies in the encyclopedias can get you started.
Tip: Pick something of interest to you
Starting your library research:
Do you need journal articles? Try a broad database with good coverage and many full text articles,
Academic Search Premier
Or, start at the database by subject page.
Do you need books? Try the UD
Catalog.
Resources to help you select a topic
- TOPICsearch
- 10,000 Ideas for Term Papers, Projects, and Reports, by Kathryn Lamm.
Roesch - Ready Ref LB 1047.3 .L35 1991
- 100 Research Topic Guides For Students, by Barbara Wood Borne.
Roesch - Ready Ref Z710 .B73 1996
- CQ Researcher. Congressional Quarterly.
Roesch Ref H35 .E352
- Issues and Controversies on File. Facts on File, Inc., c1995-
Roesch Ref H1 .A3 I8
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