Controversial Topics

If the subject of your speech or research paper is a controversial topic or a popular social issue (i.e. gun control, American military action, cloning, natural resources conservation, etc.) we recommend consulting any of the following series of books. The titles in each series provide thorough coverage of individual topics and in many cases present information and arguments on both sides of an issue, making them the ideal resources for a persuasive speech or paper.

Using One Search, search by Title Keyword and then type any of the following:

• At Issue
• Contemporary World Issues
• Current Controversies
• Ideas in Conflict
• Opposing Viewpoints
• Point-Counterpoint
• Reference Shelf
• Social Movements Past and Present
• Taking Sides

The library also has electronic resources available to help you with your research. From any library web page click the link in the left hand column entitled Search Databases and then select either Points of View Reference Center or CQ Researcher. A subject search in PVRC will yield a number of pro/con essays on your topic, and a search in CQ Researcher will return longer informational essays about your topic. Both databases can be used on campus without restriction; for information on how to access these databases from off campus please see the librarian at the Reference Desk or send a request through our Ask A Librarian service.

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