LibGuides: Communication Studies: COMM 020: Gathering background knowledge

Gather background knowledge

Use the databases below to browse controversial topics or to search for something specific. Each of these databases has unique strengths. Please check all three to see what they have on your topic.

These databases can also be found listed on the library's Find Articles page.

CQ Researcher
CQ Researcher provides award winning in-depth CQ Researcher reports are written by journalists , footnoted and professionally fact-checked. Full-length articles include an overview, historical background, chronology, pro/con feature, plus resources for additional research.

Points of View Reference Center
Points of View Reference Center contains more than 380 core topics, each with an overview (objective background / description), point (argument) and counterpoint (opposing argument). Each topic features a Guide to Critical Analysis which helps the reader evaluate the controversy and enhances students’ ability to read critically, develop their own perspective on the issues, and write or debate an effective argument on the topic.
Facts on File: Issues & Controversies
Issues and Controversies helps researchers understand the crucial issues we face today, exploring more than 800 hot topics in business, politics, government, education, and popular culture.

Once you find some background knowledge, write down some key terms you found, and search for further information in the Articles / Videos tab on the left.

For example, in this Facts on File report below, I have found out that "graffiti" is also known as "street art". I now have two possible terms to search.