LibGuides: UGS 303: News Literacy: A Citizen's Guide / Reese: Choose a topic

Choosing a topic is research

Before you search for articles, you have to choose a topic. You can use the databases below to test and develop your topic.

The best way to choose a topic is to be familiar with current conversations and debates in the news.

This assures that there is a debate or research around the topic - you will be able to find sources on your topic.

As you explore your broad topic areas - take some time to write down keywords, controversies and specific scholars/researchers who deal with your topic.

Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
You may be able to get an indepth overview of a topic here. I use this resource instead of Wikipedia to get reliable definitions, biographies and multiple perspectives.
I use the bibliographies and any new terms I can use in my searching.
Updated regularly. A database of encyclopedias, almanacs, and specialized reference sources. Fully searchable across all files.

For more information on ebooks see the Ebook Guide
Encyclopedia of International Media and Communications This link opens in a new window
Media and communication studies, including journalism, censorship, copyright, libel.
Explores the ways that editorial content (from journalism and scholarship to films and infomercials) is developed, presented, stored, analyzed, and regulated around the world. Addresses topics in three broad categories: (1) the spectrum of media (newspapers, magazines, television, cable, radio, books, advertising, movies, videos, tapes and CDs, and online) and the status of the media in countries around the globe; (2) the development and use of communications technology, from the telephone and telegraph to computers and facsimile to fiber optics and satellites; (3) concepts that regulate the content and flow of information, such as censorship, copyright, and libel.
SAGE Knowledge This link opens in a new window
For many topics, this resource tends to produce less noise in the results.
Platform for Sage book and reference content, including scholarly monographs, reference works, handbooks, series, professional development titles, and more. Only select book titles purchased by the UT Libraries are fully accessible.
For more information on ebooks see the Ebook Guide