Unless you're an expert, starting a new project can be a little scary.
The kind of tools described on this page will give you a solid foundation (vs. a "house built on sand") upon which to build your paper or project. Encyclopedias, whether an e-reference or print, will give you a good overview of the turf. These tools cover a subject broadly, break it into segments (helping you narrow down your topic), and usually provide a list of good books and/or articles that will take you further into your topic.
And better search terms!
The following will help you begin your research -- and perhaps find a good topic! Subject dictionaries give you thorough definitions and explanations of terms. Subject encyclopedias help you see a topic broadly, and also help you narrow down your topic; most offer definitions and suggested readings, which will help you start your information-gathering. See box below for electronic reference texts. NOTE: These are only examples.
More than a thousand first-year students enter LMU in the Fall. Many will be taking an introductory Theology course. Be aware of the need to share our print resources.
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These sample titles are among the dozens of Reference books and sets available electronically on campus, or off-campus using your MyLMU name and password.
For additional titles of both print and electronic reference titles (with links), see compilation databases like Credo Reference, Oxford Reference Online, and the Gale Virtual Reference Library.
Articles in the following works can be useful for their views and approaches to Vatican II: