PS 410 Political Podcasting: Background Information
Getting Started with Background Information
Scholarly reference works are useful for the following:
- An overview of a topic
- Topic ideas for a paper topic or narrowing your topic
- Finding keywords for searches
- Bibliographies for further research
Reference works are good starting points for research, but are rarely cited in research as secondary sources.
Reference Resources
- Oregon EncyclopediaThe Oregon Encyclopedia provides definitive, authoritative information about the State of Oregon, including significant places, culture, institutions, events, and people. The Oregon Encyclopedia is part of the Oregon Historical Society's Digital History Projects, in partnership with Portland State University and the Oregon Council of Teachers of English. The OE has also been supported by the Oregon Cultural Trust through the Oregon Cultural Heritage Commission, Willamette University, and the Oregon State Library.
Exploring View Points
- A Starting PointA Starting Point is a video-based civic engagement platform created by Chris Evans, Mark Kassen, and technology entrepreneur Joe Kiani. ASP’s mission is to create a bipartisan channel of communication and connectivity between Americans and their elected officials with the goal of creating a more informed electorate.
- Read All About It, OregonA blog that highlights newsworthy Oregon government information.
State Data & Statistics
- Census Data for OregonFrom Portland State's Population Research Center
- Census Quick FactsProvides quick census data for states, counties and cities.
- Social Explorer
This link opens in a new window
Social Explorer is an online research tool designed to access current and historical U.S. Census data and demographic information. It contains maps, profile reports, data elements, and variables.
Search for Reference Sources (PSU Only)
Portland Data & Statistics
- Portland MapsCity of Portland site for metropolitan area geographic data. Search by street address or geography for many types of data including assessed and market values, as well as elevation, crime data, and school district information.
- Census Data for Portland NeighborhoodsNeighborhood demographic profiles.
- Data For Local CommunitiesStatistical, spatial, and descriptive information about the cities, counties and other civil, economic and natural regions of Oregon and Washington
- Institute of Portland Metropolitan StudiesAdvances the economic, environmental, and social goals of the Portland metropolitan region by gathering and disseminating credible information, convening regional partners, and stimulating dialogue and action about critical regional issues.