Engl 127 Research Writing: Social Sciences (Modzelewski)

Explore Topic Ideas

Browse Topic Ideas in Library Databases & Online

Social Science Resources

Browse through the tabs above to explore topic ideas in the social sciences.

Explore Ideas with Gale eBooks

Browse the academic encyclopedia collection Gale eBooks for good topic ideas

Strategy 1: 

Type in a broad idea, such as masculinity, homelessness, mental illness, or criminal justice and browse the list of titles and topics returned.

  • Select Subjects from the filters on the right and browse the list of related and subtopics. 
  • Open articles to explore possible ideas for your research project.
    • Notice the encyclopedia title the article is in. That may give you an indication of its focus.
    • Remember to keep a Social Science focus.

(Click on images below to enlarge)GVRL - explore subtopics

 
Strategy 2:

Type in a more focused search and browse the results for ideas.

  • Example: incarceration AND families OR children.

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GVRL-incarceration AND families OR children

 

Strategy 3:

Click on Gale eBooks at the top of the database page. This takes you to the encyclopedia level. Limit to Social Science on the left and then browse titles and ideas there.

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Social Sciences Subject Browse in GVRL

Searching CQ Researcher

  • In CQ Researcher, look for the option to "Browse reports by topic" on the menu at the top of the page

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CQ Research: Browse by Topic Area

Searching Opposing Viewpoints

Search Tips

  • In Opposing Viewpoints, you have the option to look at larger, broad topics. Instead of searching the large search box at top, scroll down to see the list of issues, or topics. 

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screenshot of database page showing how to choose a broad topic to be shown a list of related narrow topics
 

Additional Current Issues Databases 

Holman Library logo

Holman Library One Search 

Use One Search to explore topic ideas and issues. This can be a great way to take a starting interest and find a focus. 

Type in a search term and browse the results to get a sense of some of the issues addressed on your starting concept. 

  • Peruse titles in the results list for ideas
  • Use Subject limiters on the left to find subtopics

Searching Debate-Focused Websites

  • You can easily browse through larger topics on the ProCon.org website

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screenshot of the ProCon website showing a list of topics, or issues

  • This debate database, Debateabase, is a good way to look for controversial topics in today's world. Use the link below to access the website and see a list of topics

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image of an article from the database mentioned

Searching Online

  • Explore the resources below for some great current issues in the social sciences. This is just a sampling of sources.
  • You'll find a Google Search box at the bottom of the list if you'd like to explore more widely.
Google Web Search

Browse Topic Ideas in One Search

Holman Library logo

One Search for an Overview

Use One Search to get an overview of resources and issues addressed.

Type in a search term and browse the results to get a sense of some of the issues addressed on your starting concept. 

  • Peruse titles in the results list for ideas
  • Use Subject limiters on the left to find subtopics

Browse Issues in Social Issues Encyclopedias

Print encyclopedias like this one, Social Issues in America, are a great way to identify controversial topics. Find the following volumes in the library.

  • v. 1. Abortion and reproductive issues - Campaign finance reform
  • v. 2. Cancer - Disability rights 
  • v. 3. Divorce and child custody - Gun violence and gun control 
  • v. 4. Hate crimes - Media consolidation 
  • v. 5. Media sex and violence -- Pornography
  • v. 6. Poverty and wealth - Superstores vs. Main Street
  • v. 7. Sweatshops - Xenophobia and Nativism
  • v. 8. Index

Do you want an international perspective? Try using the book "Global Social Issues" instead:

Finding a "Good" Topic

Choosing a Topic:

Research is Inquiry
  • When you do a research project, you start with an idea or an interest.
  • With some research, you develop that initial idea or interest into a topic.
  • As you read and learn, that topic becomes more focused and defined.
  • At the end of your research, once you fully understand your topic, you develop a claim.
  • While you start your final paper with a claim, that claim is the last step of the research process.
Interest:
  • Why do you want to write about this topic? Will it interest you for the quarter?
  • Complexity: Does the topic lead you to complex questions or can it be answered easily? Does it lead you deeper into the issue?
  • Research: Does this topic require you to dig deeper and look at various college-level sources, such as subject databases or peer-reviewed journals?
In-depth analysis:
  • Is your topic too broad for you to research it in depth? Would you be able to adequately discuss it within your page limit? For example: "The effect of economic recession on Americans" is too vast a topic.
  • Can you replace general or vague terms with more focused terms on your subject? To do so, read about your topic in general, and then as you learn more, narrow and deepen the scope of your discussion.
Does the topic fit the assignment?
  • What kind of genre are your writing in? Does your instructor expect a report, an analysis, an argument or another genre of writing?
  • For this class, the background essay and literature review are reports. You will be reading and synthesizing the research, issues, and conclusions others have written about your topic.
  • The final paper will require analysis. After you have become familiar with what others have written, you will evaluate what others have written and add to the conversation based on your informed research.
Topics to Avoid:
  • Avoid topics based on personal belief or opinion: the death penalty is good or bad.
  • Avoid topics that are simply factual and, that once answered, end the conversation: unemployment figures are at x.
  • Avoid topics that rely on unverifiable speculation: UFOs are real.
  • Be sure to read your assignment to see if your teacher excludes specific topics.