Embedded Files
Created by Stacy Kitsis, Arlington High School Librarian. Last updated: March 18, 2014.
Introduction
From your assignment: "Your thesis statement must argue whether your topic contributed to rising sectionalism in the United States between 1800 and 1860. Your thesis must be an argument/statement of opinion that you will use your research to prove. You may choose a more specific topic from the Brinkley chapters on America’s economic revolution, slavery and the old south and the era of reforms."
View the assignment details online. This pathfinder is designed to help you find a variety of relevant and authoritative resources so you will have solid evidence to make your original argument.
Subscription Databases & E-Books
Subscription Databases & E-Books
View passwords online (authorized users only) or get a bookmark from the circulation desk. All databases are available from home.
Background Research:
General encyclopedias and textbooks are a great way to focus a topic, identify keywords, and get started with early background research, but are often not considered appropriate as final sources for in-depth research. Check with your teacher.
Your textbook!!
Encyclopaedia Britannica School Edition (much more content in the digital version than print!)
American History Databases and E-Book Collections:
Once you've gotten a start on your topic, these should be your go-to sources for American history research.
Tip: Use the filters in each database to see just primary sources.
American History Online (Facts on File)
U.S. History in Context (Gale)
Article Databases:
Once you have focused your topic, in-depth scholarly journal articles written by real historians are a great bet for detailed information.
Actual Books
Actual Books
Don't forget about actual real live physical books, still your best bet for in-depth treatment of specific topics. Tip: Keep search terms fairly general in comparison to the databases. For example, try looking for books on the antebellum period, then check the index and table of contents for your specific topic.
Robbins Library Catalog (set location to Arlington if you only want books that are currently in, or search the whole Minuteman network and make a request!)
Web Resources
Web Resources
While searching the open web can be overwhelming, educational and government sites can be great resources.
Search Tips
Focus your topic before you begin taking notes. Is your subject too narrow or too broad? Is there enough information ... or too much? Remember, you're not just reporting who, what, when, where, but arguing why and how your topic contributed to rising sectionalism.
Use quotation marks to find complete phrases, especially proper names and titles. For example:
"Hudson River School" or "Lowell Mill"
Combine keywords to get articles that match each of your important concepts. If you get too many results, try adding more or more specific keywords; if you're not getting enough, try fewer or less specific terms.
Check your spelling. If you don't find anything on your topic, sloppy spelling may be to blame!
Citing Sources & Academic Integrity
Two amazing resources for your research and citation questions:
The school has purchased a paid subscription to EasyBib.com for all students, and we encourage you to use this tool to create and manage your citations, notes, and outlines when working on research projects.
Go to EasyBib.com, click Register, and then Sign in Using Your Account with Google. Use your school Spyponders account for a unified password and streamlined communication with your teachers.
Smart Research Tip: Remember that databases provide citations at the bottom of each article that can be copied and pasted into EasyBib with some minor modifications.
Questions, comments, concerns? Email me at skitsis@arlington.k12.ma.us.
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