This guide is adapted with the permission of Amy E. G. Barker and Ashley T. Hoffman, Kennesaw State University Library System.
Welcome to your History research guide! This guide will help you with any research-related History assignments at Valley College. Begin by taking a look at the "Research Cycle" below. Make your way through the guide by clicking on the blue tabs on the left-hand side of the screen, or by clicking on the "Previous" / "Next" buttons at the bottom of each page.
Before you settle on a topic, it's a good idea to do some background research first. The Library is a great source for background information!
Now that you've done some background research, it's time to narrow your topic. In general: the shorter your final paper, the narrower your topic needs to be.
After you've refined your topic, it's time to start searching for sources. Do you need books, articles, or something else?
It's always a good idea to evaluate sources before using them in your assignment. Do you need to have scholarly sources or the most recent research?
Pull everything together to share your argument and your evidence. Tie ideas from your sources together with your own thoughts and analysis to make a compelling case.
