Course research guide
ENGL 1301 - Laurie Coleman
Intelligent Design, Censorship, Arts Funding
This guide provides titles of and links to library resources that can help you with your research assignment. Here's a link to the search sheet if you'd like to modify it and use it as a research dieary: PBL Search Sheet (Word doc)
Have fun with your search, and let me know if you have questions or need help at any time!
I. Define Topic - reference sources in section III. below can help you with this part!
What topic are you researching?
List what you know about your topic -- who, what, when, where, why, and how:
What would you like to find out about your topic? What questions do you have? What are your learning issues?
II. Devise Strategy - create a flexible search plan, list key words/names
If you're researching a particular topic, such as "censorship", then you need to list as many synonyms and related key words as possible. Use the list of words to create multiple combinations with the word AND in order to have a successful search:
- censorship AND libraries
- censorship AND library
- censorship AND librar*
- public school* and censorship
- school* and librar* and banned books
- etc.
So...what's the difference between KEYWORD v. SUBJECT searching?
Keyword
search = to combine key words or for more specific search; finds items that
contain your keywords
Subject
search = for broad search or when you know terminology; finds items that
are about that topic
TIPS:
- Use symbols such as the * at the end of key words to pick up alternate endings.
- Use keyword and subject searching together: start with a keyword search,
find an item that's relevant, then look for subject headings within item descriptions and incorporate
those subject words into your search strategy.
III. Search Sources
Online databases require a valid SAC SSN & PIN (mmyy of birth) from off-campus. Your PIN is the same number you use to access student services online such as grades and registration.
A. Looking for background information or facts? - REFERENCE sources
Sources labeled Ref are in print and available at the SAC Library, 2nd floor reference room. You can also check your local library catalog to see if they own a copy.
| Location & Call No. | Reference Source Title |
| Online database | Gale Virtual Reference Library (general topics, includes Encyclopedia of Education, 8 v.) |
| Online database | Oxford Reference Online (general topics) |
| Online database | CQ Researcher (social issues, hot topics - complete reports) |
| Online database | Opposing Viewpoints (social issues, hot topics - reference, viewpoint essays, articles) |
| Online database | Access Science |
| Ref LA217.2 .E37 2000 | Education: opposing viewpoints |
| Ref LA217.2 .T35 2003 | Taking Sides: clashing views on controversial educational issues |
| Ref LB15 .E47 2003 | Encyclopedia of Education (8 v., also online in Gale Virtual Reference Library) |
| Ref LB15 .E48 1992 | Encyclopedia of Educational Research |
| Ref LB17 .U54 2001 | Encyclopedia of American Education |
| Ref LB2822.82 .S82 2001 | Standards and schooling in the United States: an encyclopedia |
| Ref Q175.46 .S35 2000 | Science and Its Times (7 v.) |
| Ref QH360.2 .F27 2004 | Facts on File Dictionary of Evolutionary Biology |
| Ref QH360.2 .O83 2002 | Encyclopedia of Evolution (2 v.) |
| Ref QH541.15 .B56 L54 2002 | Life on Earth: an encyclopedia of biodiversity, ecology, and evolution |
| Ref PN1008.5 .C66 2003 | Continuum Encyclopedia of Children's Literature |
| Ref Z658 .U5 C4 1997 | Censorship: opposing viewpoints |
| Ref Z658 .U5 F64 2002 | Banned in the U.S.A. |
| Ref Z658 .U5 R55 1998 | Censorship |
| Ref Z658 .U5 F644 1997 | Free expression and censorship in America : an encyclopedia |
| Ref KF4770.Z9 H3 1992 | Intellectual freedom : a reference handbook |
| Ref BL2525 .E52 1999 | Encyclopedia of religion in American politics |
| Ref BL2525 .R465 2002 | Religion in America: opposing viewpoints |
| Ref KF4208.5 .S34 M66 2002 | Evolution in the Courtroom: a reference guide |
| Ref KF4783 .C66 1999 | Constitutional debates on freedom of religion : a documentary history |
B. Looking for in-depth information? - BOOKS, VIDEOS, other items
- Books & Media (Catalog)
- netLibrary (eBooks)
- How to check out books & eBooks
- Here are a few subject headings you can use in the Catalog
(right mouse click to open a new window for the Catalog, then copy and paste
these subjects into the Subject search!):
- evolution--study and teaching
- creationism--study and teaching
- education--standards--united states
- religion in the public schools
- evolution (biology)
- intelligent design
- religion and science
- public schools--censorship
- school libraries--censorship
- censorship--united states
- libraries--censorship
- freedom of information
- intellectual freedom
- arts--study and teaching
- art--study and teaching
- education--aims and objectives
- education--curricula
- aesthetics--study and teaching
- federal aid to the arts
C. Looking for current information or need to highlight a specific issue? - periodical ARTICLES
- Academic Search Complete (all topics)
- InfoTrac Onefile (all topics)
- History Resource Center: U.S. (warning: only 2 users at a time!)
- LexisNexis Academic (news, legal issues, business)
- Education FullText (education: watch out, this one is squirrelly!)
- Science Resource Center (science)
- Project Muse (humanities)
- Newspapers (Historical New York Times, Newsbank - San Antonio Express News, InfoTrac Custom - LA Times)
- More...
NOTE: If the full-text of the article isn't available online use the Journal Locator. Just type in the periodical title to see if SAC Library owns a paper copy or if another database offers full-text.
D. Looking for other sources? - free WEB SITES
- American Library Association - Office of Intellectual Freedom, contains info on censorship
- Intelligent Design Network
- National Center for Science Education
- Americans for the Arts
- SAC Web Guide: Education - lists all the major education sites; by Celita DeArmond, SAC Librarian
IV. Evaluate and Cite your sources
