This webpage provides resources to help you find more information on the themes and topics of the course.
Most of the databases on this page are restricted to UW students, staff and faculty. These are marked with a lock
. To connect to these databases from home you will need to first click on the Off-Campus Access button in the upper-right hand corner and login with your UWnetid.
Have questions or need research help? Please contact the following librarians:
- Faye Christenberry, the English studies librarian, at fayec@u.washington.edu
- Linda DiBiase, the Latin American studies librarian, at ldibiase@u.washington.edu
- Judith Henchy, the Southeast Asian studies librarian, at judithh@u.washington.edu
- Theresa Mudrock, the history librarian, at mudrock@u.washington.edu
- Glenda Pearson, the comparative literature librarian, at pearson@u.washington.edu
 |
Encyclopedias and other reference sources can provide background information and can be used to identify key people, events and dates which can then be used as search terms for finding additional information. More importantly, because encyclopedias often cover the major issues surrounding the subject, they can help you narrow your research from a broad "who, what, where, when" topic to a "how or why" question. Many also provide a jumpstart on your research by listing recommended books. |
Two searchable collections of encyclopedias are
|
 |
Books can provide both an overview and indepth analysis of a topic, event or person. Many books will include footnotes and bibliography that can lead you to other research/writings on the topic. Book reviews can be useful when evaluating a book or to get a quick synopsis. Use the databases listed under "Finding Academic/Scholarly Articles" to find book reviews. |
|
 |
Academic articles, those published in scholarly journals, are the bedrock of most academic disciplines. In the field of historical research, they are considered secondary sources. They provide an indepth analysis of narrow topics. Prior to publishing, articles are vetted through a process called peer-review. Most academic articles include footnotes which can lead you to primary sources (and additional secondary sources) on a topic. To find the actual article (either in print or electronic), use the Check for UW Holdings button available on most databases to locate a copy. If there is no button, search the UW Libraries Catalog for the title of the journal. Articles from journals which the UW does not own can be requested via Interlibrary loan. |
|
 |
In addition to the many books that are secondary sources; the UW Libraries has books that are primary sources. These include books written during the period for your topic (i.e., during the 1910s), books written by participants, published collections of correspondence and other personal writings, memoirs and reprints of primary source material. |
Search the UW Libraries Catalog using the following search tactics:
|
 |
Newspapers are a primary source providing a first rough draft of events. Since most newspapers are local in scope, there is good coverage of local issues. Newspapers also provide a good feel for the time period. Most of the older newspapers do not include indexing. Usually you will need to browse through issues of a newspaper to discover its content. Newspapers can be found in the Microform and Newspaper Collections (mcnews) on the ground of Suzzallo. The best way to check and see if we have a specific newspaper on microfilm is to use the card catalog located in mcnews. For more current newspaper coverage (generally from the late 1980s or early 1990s onward) use the databases linked from the News subject page. Help: Newspapers |
|
 |
Magazines are similar to newspapers. Popular magazines (news, fashion, sports, etc.) provide a good feel for the period. Unlike newspapers, there is indexing to identify specific articles on topics. Since most magazines are national in scope, there is limited coverage of local topics. or more current newspaper coverage (generally from the late 1980s or early 1990s onward) use |
|
 |
The UW Libraries has an extensive collection of federal, state and local government documents. These documents are usually primary sources and can include census material, annual reports from governmental agencies and congressional hearings. Most government material is housed in the Government Publications section on the ground floor of Suzzallo Library. Librarians there can help you find material you need. |
|
 |
Photographs, drawings and other images provide information you can't always get from a text source. Images can provide details of everyday life such as clothing or architecture. It is important to keep in mind that images are not an unbiased reflection of reality -- the creator of an image chooses what and how to depict a certain scene. |
|
 |
More and more primary sources are becoming available on the web as museums, universities and other institutions digitize materials. However because of copyright law, most of this material predates 1925. For links to additional websites see History on the Web. |
|
Image: Group of Tagalog women and girls some showing white blood, ca. 1899. Courtesy of the The United States and its Territories 1870 - 1925: The Age of Imperialism project at the University of Michigan.
History Subject Guide | Chicago Styleguide | Zotero | Research 101 tutorial
