This is a research guide for Professor Helen Lie's Spring 20113 course, Public Speaking. The following are selected resources to use for your team debates.
Be sure to evaluate the quality of your sources, especially the credibility of the author.
Background Information
- Gale Virtual Reference Library A database of encyclopedias, almanacs, and specialized reference sources.
- Sage Knowledge Over 300 encyclopedias, handbooks, and reference books for research. Narrow search results to chapters and entries.
Pro/Con Arguments
Library Databases
- Opposing Viewpoints Full-text database containing "pro" and "con" arguments on controversial social issues. Also includes newspaper, magazine, and journal articles.
- CQ Researcher Full-text summaries of issues and insight into all sides of the issues (the pros and cons).
Websites
- ProCon.org ProCon.org is a nonprofit public charity that has no government affiliations of any kind. Its mission statement is: "Promoting critical thinking, education, and informed citizenship by presenting controversial issues in a straightforward, nonpartisan, primarily pro-con format." Presents pros and cons on 47 controversial issues.
- Political Advocacy Groups: A Directory of United States Lobbyists. A project started by a librarian at Washington State University Vancouver.
Newspapers
- LexisNexis Academic Full text of more than 350 newspapers from the U.S. and around the world. Use the "News" search and select "All News" and then "US Newspapers & Wires" or "All News (English)." Under "Article Type," select "Editorials & Opinions " and/or "Letters & Comments."
Books
- Search Ignacio, the library catalog.
Articles
Search the following databases to find relevant newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:
Cite Your Sources
Photo Credits: AP Images/Associated Press and Rick Wilking
