Research Tools

A good starting place, encyclopedias can provide general background information and may suggest directions for research. General encyclopedias:

(Jason Goecke via Flickr with Creative Commons)

These databases provide helpful background and history, statistics, and current trends around controversial topics:

Opposing Viewpoints in Context This link opens in a new window
Subject: Social Sciences, History, Business, Health, Law, Politics.Analysis of current social issues from different points of view. Often includes overviews of the history and controversies around a topic.
CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
Subjects: Social & Behavioral Sciences, Health Sciences, Political Sciences, Law Enforcement Index with full-text to in-depth studies on current or controversial issues from 1991-current. Note: only 5 users at any given time.
Points of View Reference Source This link opens in a new window
Subject: History, Art, Literature Full-text essays, articles, and guides that present multiple sides of an issue.

ENGC 090: Prep Reading and Composition - Bridwell