LibGuides: HN200: American Civil War at 150 (Lantzer): Developing a Topic

Mind Mapping Tools

Popplet
A great tool for brainstorming and concept mapping. Allows you to customize and add images and media, or collaborate on a board with others. You can create an account and use Popplet for free on the web. There is an app available for a small fee.
Bubbl.us
A straightforward brainstorming tool. Requires you to create an account before being able to save. The free account will allow you to store 3 mind maps at a time.
Easelly
This tool also creates infographics, but it will work if you want to try and visually organize your thoughts. Create a free account and log in to be able to save your work.

Topic Ideas

Sketch of a lightbulb with idea written on it Sometimes being given the chance to choose a topic can be more difficult than having one assigned. Here are some thoughts to guide you through the topic selection process:

Does your assignment have any guidelines/restrictions?
What do you want to learn about? What interests you?
- Is there anything interesting related to the topic of the course, course readings, discussions, etc?
- Anything related to your major or career goals that could tie in?
- Anything that you are curious or passionate about?

The resources on the next two tabs are great for sparking ideas. Check them out!

CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
CQ Researcher includes reports that offers in-depth coverage of political and social issues, such as health, international affairs, education, the environment, technology and the U.S. economy.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context This link opens in a new window
A variety of reference materials, commentaries and viewpoints, periodical and news articles, primary sources, statistics and multimedia to help present different sides of controversial topics. Highly recommended for argumentative/persuasive research topics.
Global Issues in Context This link opens in a new window
Global Issues in Context covers a wide variety of subject areas, including sociology, current events, civics, politics, science, economics, cultural/religious studies, women's studies, human rights, English composition and many more.

Gallup
"Combining more than 75 years of experience with its global reach, Gallup knows more about the attitudes and behaviors of the world's constituents, employees, and customers than any other organization."
Pew Research Group
"Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research."

HN200: American Civil War at 150 (Lantzer): Developing a Topic

Mind Mapping Tools

Topic Ideas

CONTACT

QUICK LINKS