History 110 - African American History: Understand
 Your Topic

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.

Your Assignment:

Write an essay about a concept of your choice. When you have a good understanding of the concept you have chosen, explain it to your readers, considering carefully what they might already know about it and how your essay might add to what they know. You will be required to utilize two to four (2-4) scholarly sources, as discussed in class.

• This essay must utilize three outside resources that you will use for support or as a place for criticism
• Don’t forget to introduce your resources and to follow MLA style as found in the SMG Ch. 22 
• You may use the following sources: authoritative web sites from institutions trusted by academics (typically .gov, .edu, and .org sites, though the latter must be scrutinized carefully), academic journals (either paper or digital form), books, movies, and television shows.
• You are not allowed to use encyclopedias, dictionaries, magazines, or Wikipedia. 

Reference Sources  

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.

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: