Library Guide
Role of Affluence in Civilizations (ECO221H)
This guide introduces you to some of the different types of resources that can be used to conduct research for your research topics on the role of affluence in the rise or decline of a civilization, empire, nation, industry, or economic institution. The guide will walk you through the initial steps of topic brainstorming to the next steps of deeper exploration once you have found your focus.
Step 1: Find Your Inspiration
Finding a topic is not always as easy as it might seem! To gather ideas for potential topics, you need to browse some sources. So, what makes a good topic?
- It interests you! You'll enjoy it and do a better job.
- It’s broad enough to give you several search options.
- It’s focused enough that you’re not overwhelmed with information.
Browse Books
Browse Internet Directories
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Economics Google Directory
Browse this extensive list for economic institutions, including supranational banks,
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US Department of State: Country Background Notes
Browse publications to learn about the land, people, history, government, political conditions, and economies of countries, some dependent states, and areas of special sovereignty.
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Economist Country Briefings
Quick up-to-date profiles on 82 countries providing basic facts, economic data, history, political structure, political forces, and economic structure. Links to recent articles in the Economist.
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Step 2: Explore Your Inspiration in Greater Depth
Once you have done some basic browsing and short-listed 1-2 topics, you'll need to begin exploring those topics more in-depth. Websites and encyclopedias are great for general information, but you'll need to consult books, newspapers, and other periodicals to get more detailed information. Remember, good arguments are built on good evidence.
(Image used with permission from UC Irvine Libraries)
Find Books
Search for books on your topic in Marymount Library or in nearby libraries. Having trouble finding relevant materials? Ask a librarian for help.
Find Newspaper, Magazine, and Journal Articles
Use the library's specialized databases to find newspaper and journal articles on topics of interest to researchers, like yourself.
Some articles are fully available. Other times you might only find a summary of the article with information about where and when it was published. In this case, we may have access through another database or a print copy of the article. If not, we can usually get a copy from another library.
Try one or more of these:
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Academic Search Premier
Search for articles from nearly 4,700 journals and magazines in all subject areas.
*Be sure to click the "full text" check box on the search home page.
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Newspaper Source
Search nearly 30 national and international newspapers for different arguments and perspectives on your topic.
*Be sure to click the "full text" check box on the advanced search home page.
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Business Source Elite
Search nearly 1,000 scholarly business, management, and economics journals.
*Be sure to click the "full text" check box on the search home page.
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ProQuest Research Library
Search for articles from over 5,000 magazines and journals in all subject areas.
*Be sure to click the "full text" check box on the search home page.
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Don't Forget: Cite Your Sources
As you're doing your research, be sure to note all the sources you are using. You will need this information to created a Works Cited Page.
Learn more about why and how to cite. Marymount Library publishes APA and MLA citation guides online.
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