Douglas D. Schumann Library & Learning Commons: HIST 4175: Modern American History: Getting Started with a Topic

How to Choose a Topic

The first step is to pick a topic related to American history from 1865 to the present that you would find interesting since you will be spending time researching it.

Encyclopedias and Background Information Sources

Once you have an idea, do a little background research to learn more about it by searching encyclopedias, the library catalog, or Wikipedia. Here are a few places to begin:

Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Encyclopedic coverage in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities
Encyclopedia Britannica This link opens in a new window
Find background information on your research topic
Oxford Art Online This link opens in a new window
The gateway to Oxford’s art reference works, including the peer−reviewed, regularly updated Grove® Dictionary of Art and the Benezit Dictionary of Artists.