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Choosing a topic
Many times a research project might span anywhere from several weeks to an entire semester. If your professor hasn’t assigned a topic, choose a topic that will hold your interest and that you would already like to know more about. Lists of Northwest Missouri State University’s hot paper topics and University of Louisville’s hot topics can also help generate ideas. Your textbook, course materials, notes, and class discussions might also provide topic ideas.

Other Places to Locate Topic Ideas
Magazines

How to reach them:

Magazines are a great place to locate current and controversial issues in the news. Browse through print editions of popular magazines in the library’s browsing magazine collection or online. You can also view the magazines’ homepages to gain ideas from current feature articles. Sample magazines include:

Newsweek

Time

U.S. News & World Report

 

 

Newspapers

Newspapers can provide ideas for local or regional topics. Editorials within the newspaper can also provide ideas for point-of-view research. Browse through print editions of newspapers on the library's second floor or online. Sample newspapers to browse online include:
ChicagoTribune
LosAngeles Times
New YorkTimes
WallStreet Journal
WashingtonPost

Sample Newspaper Link sites include:
InternetPublic Library: Newspapers
AssociatedPress
OnlineNewspapers.com
Gebbie Press: Daily Newspapers and Weekly Newspapers
NewsCentral

 

On the worksheet, list three topics that might make interesting speeches

Revised (August 14, 2007)
Created (July 2007)
Text Author: Lori Mardis
Page Designer: Ryan Bensman
Code Editor: Ryan Bensman