PEAC 071B: Strategy and Nonviolent Struggle (SC)

When you start researching a case, Google will probably be your first stop. It's a perfectly fine place to start your research. (Here are some tips for using Google more effectively.) 

This guide highlights resources beyond Google, ranging from regional news sites (e.g. MidEastWire) to scholarly article databases (e.g. JSTOR).

It's also important to understand that doing research is an iterative process! Expert researchers trace down leads, try out different keywords, and experiment to see what works. And if you get stuck, don't worry - help is available. Contact Simon Elichko (selichk1) for research assistance.

You can get help with finding primary and secondary sources, citations, and organizing your research.

Simon Elichko (they/them)
Social Sciences & Data Librarian

• Make an appointment (bit.ly/selichk1)
• Email selichk1@swarthmore.edu
• More options: Help with Research

When you start researching case, do a preliminary analysis. What do you already know from the case description?  What can you learn from some quick initial searches?

• Who was involved in case?  (advocates, opponents, individuals, organizations)
  • Which people? 
  • Which organizations, political parties, unions? 
    (consider different perspectives -- more info here)
     
• What types of sources are most likely to have information about your case? 
   
• When did the event(s) you're researching occur?  More recent events may only be covered by newspapers and social media, while events that happened a few months ago (or more) might be discussed in scholarly articles or books.
   
• Where did the event(s) occur?  Where were participants and leaders from?  Local and regional news outlets and organizations are possible sources.