Pathfinder on Controversial Topics

This pathfinder will be useful in finding information about controversial issues-the pros and cons of a subject- like gun control, electronic cars, immigration, etc.

For an introduction to the topic see:
How to Write a Position Paper

Keywords/Search Term:
Controversial issues

Finding a topic:
Possible Subject Headings & Examples of Controversial Issue Questions
List of Controversial Issues and Links to Websites showing both sides of the issues.

Library Reference:
361.1 Opposing Viewpoints Series- A large series containing opposing viewpoints on many issues.
305 Taking sides: Clashing views on controversial issues in childhood and society
363 Taking sides : Clashing views on controversial environmental issues.
973 Taking sides : Clashing views on controversial issues in American history.

Online Reference Background:
Encyclopedia.com
Free Online Dictionary

Databases:
NovelNY- NY Online Virtual Library-(need library card to access)
Infotract Custom Newspapers including The New York Times- from 1995 on.
ProQuest Platinum

Web Sites:

Best Info on the Net - from St. Ambrose University Library

They promote critical thinking, education, and informed citizenship. Their sites present controversial issues in a straightforward, nonpartisan, primarily pro-con format.




USA.gov is the U.S. government's official web portal to all federal, state, and local government web resources and services. Contains government documents on current hot issues like affirmative action, children and tobacco, welfare reform, etc., searchable.

National Issues: Contains a lot of information regarding politics, elections & taxation.

Public Agenda-"For over 30 years, Public Agenda has been providing unbiased and unparalleled research that bridges the gap between American leaders and what the public really thinks about issues ranging from education to foreign policy to immigration to religion and civility in American life."

Multimedia:
Frontline-Frontline is a PBS television series that explores in depth issues in public affairs. Since 1995-1996 each issue explored has a companion website and transcript of the program.

Yahoo's Directory of Issues and Causes

Books:
10,000 Ideas for Term Papers, Projects, Reports & Speeches by Kathyrn Lamm. New York, NY. Macmillan, 1998.
Good Luck!