WNCLibrary: Choose a Topic: Choose a Topic

WNC Library Research Assignment

Library Research Assignment
Using this assignment will help you locate encyclopedias, journals, newspapers, web sites, and statistics on your topic.

Explore and Develop Your Topic

Choosing a topic for your assignment can be challenging. This tutorial from Highline College will show you some tips for making the challenge a little easier.

Databases & Other Sources for Topic Ideas

CQ Researcher
is a great source for current topic ideas since it is published weekly and each issue features an in depth report covering the pros and cons of current controversial issues - from drones to social networking to healthcare and everything in between!
Opposing Viewpoints in Context
provides analyses of today’s social issues. With over 19,000 viewpoint essays, thousands of topic overviews and court-case overviews, OVIC helps students explore issues from all perspectives. In addition to traditional resources like books, magazines and journals, OVIC includes links to vetted websites as well as integrated multimedia to quality podcasts and video, national and global news sources, and much more.

Websites to Find a Topic

Idea Generator
Idea Generator is an extensive list of research topics arranged by broad subject areas. (From the Old Dominion University Library)
Allsides.com
Presents news stories from the right, center, and left of the political spectrum. Also includes a topics and issues page for further research.
Hot Paper Topics
An extensive list of "Hot Topics" websites from CSU Long Beach Library.
ProCon.org
Pros and cons of controversial issues.
Public Policy Issues & Groups
Social and Policy Issues
Social and policy issues articles from the Gallup polling company.
Social and Policy Issues from the Pew Research Center
Association Press (AP) News
Search the Assoicated Press newswire for current events.