Tale of Two Cities Pre-Search (Cochrane)

Created by Stacy Kitsis, Arlington High School Librarian. Last updated: January 4, 2013.

Assignment Introduction

"Before reading a piece of literature as significant as A Tale of Two Cities it is important we understand the historical context in which the story takes place. A Tale of Two Cities, written by Charles Dickens in 1859, explores a time from almost 100 years earlier. This gave him a certain perspective that is very different from our view of that same time period today. In order to fully understand A Tale of Two Cities we will spend a little time researching revolutions."

See the complete assignment sheet to know which questions your group should answer. The questions for the French, American, and Arab Spring groups are the same.

Trouble Accessing an Article?

If the direct link to a Gale article doesn't work, click on this link to our Gale databases first to log on, then close the window to come back to this pathfinder and click on the article.

Citing Sources

It's important to keep track of all sources used as you go, rather than waiting until the end. If you can't identify your source, you won't be able to use that information in your final product! You might want to create a shared Google Doc or works cited slide now, while you're just getting started. This goes for images as well as information!

Tip: Work smarter, not harder! Database articles provide citations at the bottom of each article. Just be sure it's in MLA format before copying and pasting into your works cited list.

Group One: Pre-French Revolution (up to 1789)

Try these resources:

- Modern World History Online (Facts on File)
  - Note: Password received in class or available online if logged on through Spyponders account
- World History in Context (Gale)
- Gale Virtual Reference Library (e-books)

Group Two: American Revolution (1765-1776)

Try these resources:

- American History Online (Facts on File)
  - Note: Password received in class or available online if logged on through Spyponders account
- U.S. History in Context (Gale)
- Gale Virtual Reference Library (e-books)

Group Three: Arab Spring – Egypt

Try these resources:

New York Times Topics: Egypt
- - Start with this helpful overview of recent events in Egypt

- Issues and Controversies (Facts on File)
  - Note: Password received in class or available online if logged on through Spyponders account
- Global Issues in Context (Gale)
  - Tip: Start by reading this overview of the Arab Spring
- Suggested keywords: democracy, protest, revolution, Arab Spring (you will need to combine terms, e.g., search for Egypt AND democracy)

Group Four: Arab Spring – Libya

Try these resources:

New York Times Topics: Libya
- - Start with this helpful overview of recent events in Libya

- Issues and Controversies (Facts on File)
  - Note: Password received in class or available online if logged on through Spyponders account
- Global Issues in Context (Gale)
  - Tip: Start by reading this overview of the Arab Spring
- Suggested keywords: democracy, protest, revolution, Arab Spring (you will need to combine terms, e.g., search for Libya AND democracy)

Group Five: Arab Spring – Tunisia

Try these resources:

New York Times Topics: Tunisia
- - Start with this helpful overview of recent events in Tunisia

- Issues and Controversies (Facts on File)
  - Note: Password received in class or available online if logged on through Spyponders account
- Global Issues in Context (Gale)
  - Tip: Start by reading this overview of the Arab Spring
- Suggested keywords: democracy, protest, revolution, Arab Spring (you will need to combine terms, e.g., search for Tunisia AND democracy)

Group Six: England Before (1775-1789) & During (1789-1799) the French Revolution

Try these resources:

BBC History: Britain and the French Revolution
- Modern World History Online (Facts on File)
  - Note: Password received in class or available online if logged on through Spyponders account
World History in Context (Gale)
Gale Virtual Reference Library (e-books)
Research tip: combine search terms such as French Revolution and England to get results that contain both ideas; read the suggested article for additional search terms (e.g., "Two Acts")

Questions, comments, concerns? Email me at skitsis@arlington.k12.ma.us.

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