Knowledge and understanding are developed over time by scholars, researchers, and professionals debating and discussing issues. By being familiar with the arguments and different points of view, you can contribute to the conversation.
Think of the sources you read to explore your topic (articles, books, films, videos, images, or websites) as different threads in a conversation. Just like blog comments, each source expresses different ideas, observations, discoveries, or interpretations of the historical problem or question you choose to address.
As you read your sources, try to figure out how they relate to each other:
So when you read your sources, think about the story they're telling you and about what they each have to say about that story.
By actively reading your sources as if you're participating in an interesting, complex discussion, when you write your paper, you'll be able to demonstrate to your teacher that you have a deeper understanding of your topic.
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Image from Hobbs, Renee. "New Approaches to Information Literacy." ACRL's New Information Literacy Standards, 30 Mar. 2015, http://www.slideshare.net/reneehobbs/acrls-new-information-literacy-standards.
Welcome to the Western Civilization research guide. The MJC Library & Learning Centers have many books and other resources on the wide variety of topics covered in Western Civilization.This guide will help you learn to explore those topics using credible sources.