Research Starters
We all use Wikipedia, but if you want something authoritative and reliable, Britannica® Academic is a great option. Like all encyclopedias, this source is a good way to find background information on a topic.
- Encyclopedia Britannica - Academic This link opens in a new windowIf the search widget above isn't working, you can click here to access Britannica Academic.
Opposing Viewpoints is a great source for information about current events, especially controversial ones. They provide a wide variety of sources on each topic - everything from opinion essays to scholarly articles. We recommend this source when you're having difficulty coming up with a topic. It's also a good tool if you already have an idea, but aren't sure what direction to take.
- Opposing Viewpoints In Context (Gale) This link opens in a new windowIf the search widget above isn't working, you can click here to access Opposing Viewpoints.
This source is very similar to Opposing Viewpoints in Context - it's a good place to look for information on controversial issues.
- Points of View Reference Source This link opens in a new windowIf the search widget above isn't working, you can click here to access Points of View Reference Center.
Background Information - World
Background Information - Latin America
- Oxford Encyclopedia of Mesoamerican CulturesAlso available in paper copy: F1218.6 .O95 2001
Background Information - Asia & Africa
- Encyclopedia of Asian History (4 v.), Ref DS 31 .E53 1988
- Encyclopedia of African History (3v.), Ref DT20.E53 2005
- Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World, (2 v.) (Ref BP40 .E525 2004)Also available in paper copy: Ref BP40 .E525 2004
Plan Your Research
Not sure how long it will take you to complete an assignment? Want to make sure that you're not stuck at the last minute?
The Assignment Calculator can help you plan your work. Don't forget to email yourself the schedule, or print it - both options are at the bottom of the page.