Research Guides: Political Science Research Guide: Background research

Background research

Background research can help you:

Starter databases:

Best starter databases for Political Science topics:

Gale eBooks
A database of encyclopedias, almanacs and specialized reference sources.
Opposing Viewpoints (Gale in Context)
Access pro and con viewpoint articles, topic overviews, statistics, primary documents, links to web sites, and full-text journal articles.
U.S. History (Gale in Context)
Delivers the best titles from world-class sources. Find comprehensive coverage of the most-studied topics, from the arrival of Vikings in North America 1,000 years ago to Vietnam, Watergate and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
World History (Gale in Context)
This database offers students and researchers unparalleled access to a broad collection of scholarly analysis and full-text periodicals, reference works and primary documents.

Gale eBooks Tutorial

This database has subject-specific encyclopedia articles which provide simple topic overviews.
A perfect way to get to know your topic before diving deeper into scholarly research.
Watch the video below to learn more:

Gale eBooks
A database of encyclopedias, almanacs and specialized reference sources.

Opposing Viewpoints Tutorial

This browseable database contains information on current events and controversial topics.
A great place to find and refine topic ideas, and read pro and con arguments.
Watch the video below to learn more:

Opposing Viewpoints (Gale in Context) Access pro and con viewpoint articles, topic overviews, statistics, primary documents, links to web sites, and full-text journal articles.