POLS 1150: World Politics - Professor Roy - Spring 2025
- Welcome!
- Library & Web Search Strategies
- Developing a Research Question/Topic
- Evaluating Information
- News Sources
- Books, Academic Journals, & Recommended Databases
- Citing Sources
- CIA Citation Activity
Develop Your Topic with Credo Reference
Credo Reference is a valuable resource in your research toolkit. Keeping in mind that it is useful for background information (AKA: not the type of source you would cite in your paper or project), use it for:
- Explore Topic Pages: Enter a broad topic in the search bar to access summaries and key concepts that provide background information.
- Identify Key Ideas: Look for headings and subheadings to help narrow your focus and pinpoint specific areas of interest.
- Formulate Questions: Use the insights gained to draft initial research questions that guide your inquiry.
- Refine Your Focus: Revise your questions based on feedback from peers or instructors, ensuring they are clear and focused.
Credo Reference not only helps you understand your topic better but also inspires new ideas for research!
Developing Your Topic
Developing a Research Topic for World Politics
| Step | Action | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose a general topic | Select a broad area in world politics that interests you | International organizations |
| 2. Narrow your focus | Identify a specific aspect of the topic | The role of the United Nations in peacekeeping |
| 3. Form a question | Turn your topic into a specific question | How effective have UN peacekeeping missions been in Africa since 2000? |
| 4. Consider your resources | Ensure information is available on your topic | Check UN reports, academic journals on peacekeeping, and case studies of specific missions |
| 5. Refine your question | Adjust based on available information and assignment requirements | What factors have influenced the success or failure of UN peacekeeping missions in Sudan and South Sudan since 2005? |
Tip: Consider current global issues, international relations theories, and historical context when developing your World Politics research question.
Common Themes in World Politics
Peacekeeping:
United Nations:
Activism: