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CADR 200: Background

Guide for CADR200: Foundations of Conflict and Conflict Resolution, specifically with Professor La Chance.

Background Information

As you start your research, ask yourself: What information do you already know about your topic? What information would be useful to know?

Encyclopedias and dictionaries are good sources to consult when you are at the beginning of your research and you are compiling the basics about your topic.

Also, search the catalog for books on your topic that can provide a detailed history of it. Books are extremely useful for getting started in your research & providing background knowledge to build on.

Use SURF to Find Books and Ebooks

If you're only looking for books, be sure you have that filter on when you look through results! Either screenshot below shows you where the filters are located on the SURF results page.
 

Top of the results page from a Basic Search, circling the second tab under the search bar which limits to Books only.
 

Top of the limiter list on the results page under the SURF Logo, with Books selected as a filter for Type of Resource.

Developing Keywords

Use keywords to find topic arguments in research tools.

Starting research question/topic: "How did the second World War impact gender roles and the family dynamic?"

Keywords:      Second World War      Gender Roles     Family Dynamic
                                    V                             V                            V
                          World War II                Gender                  Family

This is a great way to develop an initial search strategy where you pull out keywords from your starting thesis or question and can continue to refine them to best fit your needs and the databases you are using. 

You are encouraged to fill out the keyword sheet to explore wording to describe your own topic as you begin your research.

Tutorial: SU Libraries' Self Check-Out App

Watch this video to learn about the GAC's mobile self check-out app. You can bring items to the library help desk to check out or do it yourself with this app!