Douglas D. Schumann Library & Learning Commons: HIST 4223: Boston History: Getting Started with a Topic

Questions?

Contact a Librarian!

call: 617-989-4040

How to Choose a Topic

The first step is to pick a current event topic that you find interesting, since you will be spending time researching it. You will also need to identify relevant past events that provide context for your chosen topic.

Narrow a Research Topic
Oakton College Library: Background Information

Encyclopedias and Background Information Sources

Once you have an a topic or idea, do a little background research to learn more about it. Here are a few places to begin:

CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
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Provides in−depth, unbiased coverage of health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, education, the environment, technology, and the economy.
Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
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Encyclopedic coverage in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities
Encyclopedia Britannica This link opens in a new window
An authoritative source for general information on virtually any topic.