LibGuides: GWS 285 / POL 285: Sex, Power, and Politics in the US: Try Out a Topic

Overview: Try Out a Topic

This tab outlines some of the work we will do in the library session brainstorming topics and search terms and doing some initial searching on a topic. Note: We’re just exploring topics today (you won’t necessarily end up working on this topic)

Step #1 Brainstorm Topics

Brainstorm two possible topics of interest for your final essay
Post those two possible topics into the chat

Possible topic areas you might explore in your research (examples from the assignment prompt):

Feminist political theory (e.g., Audre Lorde)
Feminist social movements (e.g., Women’s March)
Reproductive justice (e.g., Dobbs v. Jackson)
LGBTQ+ social movements (e.g., Pride)
“Artivism” movements or creative protest and resistance

Step #2 Brainstorm Search Terms

Go back to your two possible topics and pick one to “try out” today

Ask yourself, what do I already know about the topic? And what do I want to learn about it?
Brainstorm at least three keywords for a search on your topic (start broad, think about synonyms or related terms)

Step #3 Develop a Search

Arrange your keywords into a library database search. Here's an example:

Step #4 Try Out a Topic

Search Academic Search Premier or another relevant database for articles related to your topic
Revise your search terms as needed (try related terms or broaden or narrow your search)
Identify one article that looks useful and credible to you
Post a link to the article you found in the chat