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Political Science & International Relations

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Getting Started

Article Databases to Try:

CQ Researcher and Opposing ViewPoints are great information resources. However, most of their articles and reports contain a bibliography that points to additional resources, including books, articles, and websites directly related to the topic at hand.  These bibliographies can be great sources of additional information for you!

About Background Information Resources

Finding background information at the beginning of your research is important if you are not an expert in the subject area or not sure from what angle to approach your topic.  Background information can provide:

  • A broad overview of the subject
  • Definitions of the topic
  • Introduction to key issues
  • Names of people who are authorities in the subject field
  • Major dates and events
  • Keywords and subject-specific vocabulary terms that can be used for database searches
  • Bibliographies that lead to additional resources

Spend a little time searching in the resources on this page and you'll be better prepared to find pertinent scholarly articles and write a convincing argument. 

Core Reference Resources