Framing the Context:Using Subject Specific Databases to
Explore Your Topic
Nicole BranchSanta Clara University Library
Image courtesy of flickr user Jeff Babbitt
Objectives • Practice a model to help develop
assignment topics
• Become familiar with subject-specific library resources
• Develop a strategy for searching for sources for your assignment
Image courtesy of flickr user Kirsten Pauli
Developing Your Topic
Topic -- Question -- Significance
Image courtesy of flickr user D. Robert Wolcheck
Choosing Your Topic
• An interesting subject that came up in class
• Something you are passionate about
• A topic you would like to learn more about
Image courtesy of flickr user Evelyn Flint
Warm up
• Write down your topic as it currently exists
• If you don’t have a topic yet, write down any topic you are interested in related to race, class and gender
Focus your topic
• If you can state your topic in 2-3 words, it is too broad.
• Narrow your topic by adding a context:HistoryDifferent communitiesDisciplineAudience
Examples
• History» Depictions of African American men in the media
across time
• Different Communities» Comparison of how majority people of color
protests are depicted in the media versus majority white protests
• Discipline» Communications; Business
• Audience» Popular; Conservative; Ethnic news sources
Discussion
• Describe your primary topic to your neighbor.
• Integrate a context to develop your topic.• History• Different communities• Discipline• Audience
Question
• Add a question such as how, why, or in what ways to your topic.
• How do media portrayals of civil disturbances related to race versus other civil disturbances differ?
Common Mistakes
• Avoid questions with one word answers or that cannot be answered within limits of the assignment.
• Avoid questions that are too vague or cannot be answered with research.
• Avoid speculation without evidence.
Question
• How do media portrayals of civil disturbances related to race versus other civil disturbances differ?
Race & Media
I am researching Media portrayals of civil disturbances related to
race versus other civil disturbances
Because I want to explore» The ways that the media impacts public perceptions of
activism related to issues of race.
Keep it Open
I am researching Media portrayals of civil disturbances related to
race versus other civil disturbances
Because I want to explore» The ways that the media impacts public perceptions of
activism related to issues of race.
Reflection & Discussion
Apply significance to your question
• I am researching ___________ because I want to explore___________.
Identifying Keywords
I am researching Media portrayals of civil disturbances related to
race versus other civil disturbances
Because I want to explore» The ways that the media impacts public perceptions of
activism related to issues of race.
Identifying Keywords
I am researching Media portrayals of civil disturbances related to
race versus other civil disturbances
Because I want to explore» The ways that the media impacts public perceptions of
activism related to issues of race.
Identifying Keywords
Joshua Vossler, Selecting and Using Keywords
Database Search
• Selecting a database:Who would be writing, thinking, talking about this
topic?
• Search & advanced search
Nicole BranchInstruction [email protected]
Thank you to flickr users:Jeff BabbittEvelyn FlintKirsten Pauli & D. Robert Wolcheckfor sharing their work through creative commons license.
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