This guide provides some useful starting places and strategies for doing research for this course. I am happy to consult with you on any aspect of your research, from developing a research question to finding, evaluating, and citing sources. See my contact information on this page.
Doing some initial searches in SuperSearch can be a great way to begin to explore a topic from many angles through a wide variety of sources from multiple disciplines. Start with a simple keyword search and scan the results, paying attention to aspects of the topic that jump out at you or resonate with you. Make note of key terms and subjects that you can use to focus or expand your search. Some tips:
Specialized encyclopedias, handbooks, companions, and other reference sources can also be very helpful for exploring a topic. They can summarize knowledge around a topic, synthesize scholarly discussions, and define key concepts. They often include bibliographies as well, making them a good resource for identifying key books and articles on a topic. Try searching for a topic in one of the following databases to search multiple reference sources at once.
Annotated bibliographies for a variety of subject areas.
Thousands of articles by scholars focused on the lives and events that have shaped African American and African history and culture, along with primary source documents, encyclopedias, and biographies.
Search across more than 100 full text encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference works in the social and behavioral sciences.
Hundreds of full-text academic encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other sources for introductions to topics, definitions, or factual information. Includes subject-specific titles from art, literature, education, science, religion, history and more.
Here are some selected individual books related to topics of this course.