Finding a Topic

Topic Selection Worksheet

INFO 102

I.                     Is the topic from within or without?

A.       Within:  this topic is something that I am interested in outside my immediate

academic situation.

B.      Without: the topic is course-related.

II.                   My topic expressed as a preliminary thesis statement or question.
Reality Check:  Is my topic too broad to successfully work on within the allotted space or time?   Is my topic too narrow, i.e. is information too hard to find?

III.                Key words and synonyms useful for my topic.

IV.                These terms expressed as Library of Congress Subject Headings

V.                  A good overview of my topic can be found where?

VI.                (I am having trouble finding a topic! )

Try Library databases such as CQ Researcher or Opposing Viewpoints.