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Tips
for choosing a topic and finding a focus:
- Your
textbook as well as class lectures and/or class discussions
might suggest topics.
Keep in mind that the best topic is one that you are genuinely
interested in and want to know more about.
- Check
the table of contents of an encyclopedia on the general subject.
If, for example, you are assigned a paper about the Middle
Ages, scan the table of contents in the Dictionary of the
Middle Ages for topic ideas.
- If
you have been asked to write a paper about a controversy,
consult the following source for controversies in multiple
disciplines:
-Taking Sides 20 vols. Ref HN5 .T35
- Once
you have an idea for a topic, read an encyclopedia essay about
it to get an overview of it.
- Try
doing an exploratory search of a database (see
Section 4 of the tutorial) to get a sense of the kind
of work that others have done on it. This might give you ideas
about ways you can approach it.
Keep
in mind: Never
begin work on a research project until you are absolutely clear
on the specifications; check the assignment handout and/or your
professor on length, kinds of sources, and other requirements.
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