Professor Chester

IAFS 1000

Rules of Thumb for the Research Process: Identifying and Refining a Paper Topic

1. Pick a general topic that interests you.  Research papers are a lot of work; you will enjoy the process much more and consequently write a better paper if you choose a topic that won’t bore you.

2. Narrow your topic down.  Generally, the more specific your topic is, the stronger your paper will be.  Overly ambitious topics tend to produce overly vague papers.  There are a number of ways to narrow your topic, including:

◦ Chronologically: Tighten the time period you’re working in. 

◦ Thematically: Focus on a specific theme.  General themes include economic, social, political, and cultural factors.  You can narrow your theme further by focusing on sub-themes.

◦ Geographically: Center your work on a particular area.

3. Identify available sources.  Keep in mind that you can only work where the light is.  If sources are not available for the topic you’ve set your heart on exploring, you are well advised to select another topic.  If you need material that’s not available at CU, look for it on WorldCat (see http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/research/findarticles/alpha-w.htm, but be aware a CU IP address is required for access).  Be sure to submit your Inter Library Loan request in good time, because ILL material can take weeks to arrive.

4. Read a range of material on your topic.  Keep an eye out for ways to narrow your subject down further.  It is vital to have a strong background in your subject before you begin to write.  Identify that field’s major theories, controversies, and problems.

5. Consult a reference librarian.  CU has a wide range of subject specialists who can provide invaluable assistance in identifying and locating the library material you need.  For a list of specialists in international affairs, political science, economics, history, geography, maps, and much more, see http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/services/bibliographers.htm.

6. Talk to your professor or TA.  If you’re stuck for ideas, feel free to come to our office hours or make an appointment to discuss your interests.  Often we can guide you in an appropriate direction.  Also, it’s important to make sure your topic fits within the course framework.