WR 323 Writing as Critical Inquiry: Background Information

Resources and strategies to complete Research Sources Assignment.

Encyclopedias, Handbooks, Dictionaries

Below are listed some standard, general (useful for almost any topic) reference sources.  The subject research guides will also list important references works in their specific subject area.

Online Subject Encyclopedias

Scholarly subject encyclopedias provide background information about specific topics. Entries or articles, written by scholars or subject experts, include bibliographies or suggested readings that will lead to more information on your topic.

You can use subject encyclopedias to identify keywords for your research in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences.

Search for Subject Encyclopedias (PSU Only)