Choosing an interesting topic can be a challenge. Here are some tips:
- Review the assignment sheet your professor provided to make sure you understand what is required.
- How many pages does it have to be?
- How many outside sources must you incorporate?
- What types of sources do you need? (academic journal articles, books, newspapers, etc.)
- Did your professor give you a topic or can you choose one on your own?
- Refer to your class notes and readings to refresh your knowledge of the materials and assignment.
- Brainstorm ideas with a classmate or friend. They may be able to help focus your topic.
- Choose a topic that interests you! The research process is more relevant and interesting if you care about your topic.
- Do some preliminary searching to see if it's something you'd like to learn more about.
- Narrow your topic to something manageable.
- If your topic is too broad, you will find too much information and not be able to make an effective argument.
- Background reading can help you choose and limit the scope of your topic.
- Think of the who, what, where, when, and why questions:
- WHO does this topic impact? Who might publish information about it? Who are the information providers on this topic? Do you know of organizations or institutions affiliated with the topic?
- WHAT are the major questions about this topic? Is there a debate about the topic? Are there differing issues and viewpoints to consider?
- WHERE is your topic important: at the local, national or international level? Are there specific places affected by the topic?
- WHEN is/was your topic important? Is it a current event or a historical issue? Do you want to compare your topic over time?
- WHY is this topic important? Why did you choose the topic? What interests you about it? Do you have an opinion about the issues involved?
