Skip to Main Content

ECON 201M Macroeconomics: Understand
Your Topic

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.

    Quick Tips!

      • Look up your keywords in the indexes to subject encyclopedias.

      • Read articles in these encyclopedias to set the context for your research.

      • Note relevant items in the bibliographies at the end of the encyclopedia articles.

      • Additional background information may be found in your lecture notes, textbooks, and reserve readings.

                Understanding Your Topic - Where to Look

                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

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

                Selected Library Reference Sources - Print

                Here are some books on globalism found in the Library's reference stacks:

                The Thesis Statement

                Although you probably started with only a broad idea of what you wanted to write about, after testing your topic and doing background reading you should be able to narrow your focus and write your thesis statement. Here is an example of narrowing a broad topic to come up with a thesis statement:

                Free trade

                • Free trade and the impact on the US economy
                  • Free trade leads to American job loss
                    • Projections that free trade will create jobs have been erroneous. Factors such as the impact of trade deals on foreign direct investment, role played by exhange rate manipulation, and nontariff trade barriers have been ignored.  We must have some barriers to protect our economy and our jobs.

                 

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