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.
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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.
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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.
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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 - General Resources
Encyclopedias and other sources on this page provide good overview information, including key search terms and often lists of more sources.
Additional Political Science print reference sources can generally be found in the J - K call number areas of the Reference section on the first floor and the Circulation collection on the third floor. For multidisciplinary topics, other call number areas may also be applicable.
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Blackwell Dictionary of Political ScienceAlso available in paper copy: Ref JA 61 B43 1999
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Survey of Social Science: Government and Politics SeriesCirculating Collection, 3rd Floor / JA61 .S88 1995
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Concise Oxford Dictionary of PoliticsCirculating Collection, 3rd Floor / JA61 .C665 1996
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Safire's New Political DictionaryCirculating Collection, 3rd Floor / JK9 .S2 1993
Government Documents
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GPO Catalog of U.S. Government Publications, July 1976-presentAn index to all types of U.S. government documents, including Congressional hearings and agency publications. Penfield is a Selective Federal Depository.
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GovInfoProvides access to authenticated official publications from all three branches of the federal government.
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Government InformationFull page of government information and websites.
Country Information
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U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact SheetsBilateral relations fact sheets from the U.S. Department of State.
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Country StudiesLibrary of Congress - presents a description and analysis of the historical setting and the social, economic, political, and national security systems and institutions of countries throughout the world.
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U.S. Census Bureau International Statistical AgenciesLinks to country statistical agencies.
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The World FactbookContains current information and maps from the CIA about countries throughout the world.
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.