Starting your research
Before you begin, break down your research assignment into manageable steps.
Step One: Explore First
Take some time to do background research to explore your topic by browsing your textbook for broad topic ideas and begin thinking of areas in which you are already interested. Select a few key resources and start reading - encyclopedia entries provide an excellent overview of broad topics, and can help you to discover new areas or related topics that may be of interest you. Try Brittanica Online from Sheridan's collections.
Step Two: Determine Topic Scope
Based on your topic exploration and background reading, you may find it helpful to narrow your topic by choosing to focus on a particular time period, artist, discipline, and style.
Step Three: Keep an open mind
The strategies above will help you get started on your topic, but keep in mind that it is normal for the focus and scope of a paper to change as you conduct more in-depth research.
