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History 217 - Decolonization In Africa: Background Information

Julie Carter

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Julie Carter
https://whitman.libcal.com/appointments
Contact:
219 Penrose Library
509-527-5915

Penrose Reference

Print reference (encyclopedias and dictionaries) and e-reference works are general information sources that provide background information on important individuals, as well as summaries of key concepts and traditions in a variety of disciplines.

Books In Reference

Worksheet

Defining Your Topic

Try this approach to identifying and developing your research topic:

  • State your preliminary topic as a question.
  • Pick out the keywords or main concepts in your question. 
  • Look these up in subject encyclopedias and dictionaries to set the context for your research. 
  • Continue to revise your question and choice of keywords as you pursue your search for information.

Catalog Tips

Try adding some of the following terms to your catalog search when doing historical research:

history, chronology, social life and customs, politics and government, kings and rulers, historiography

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