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Black/Africana Studies : Understand  Your Topic

THE BLACK/AFRICANA STUDIES DEPARTMENT is undergirded by the three basic areas of focus of the discipline of Black Studies, which are cultural grounding, academic excellence, and social responsibility.

What Do You Know?

You probably already know a little something about the topic you chose, but it's important to find out more in order to write an intelligent research paper and/or make a good argument. 

Ask yourself:

  • What do I know?
  • What can I find out?

Reference resources help you find out more!

Library Research Guides lead you to the best resources to use when searching for information on your topic.

Always check to see if there's a Research Guide on your topic.

    Reference Sources

    Reference Sources   person with a book head

    Once you have chosen a topic for your paper, use general reference sources to get background information on your topic. Reference books such as the encyclopedias, dictionaries and handbooks, and the current issue titles are a good starting point for your research because they help you become better acquainted with your topic. 

    See the lists below for some selected reference sources available online and in print. Ask a librarian if you need help finding more resources.

    Online reference resources require login for off-campus use.  Enter your Cerritos College login when prompted.  For more login information see the Database Login page.

     

    Selected Library Reference Sources - Online

    Below are some of the library's online database resources which can help you get some background information on your topic.  These resources are available on and off campus:

    Suggested Reference Books

    Cerritos College Library | 11110 Alondra Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650 | 562-860-2451 | Reference ext 2425 | Circulation ext 2424