This research guide will explain how to find and cite library materials appropriate for your research paper assignment for Professor Baker.
Select the links below or the tabs at the top to explore each topic.
Professor: John Baker
As you may already have discovered this is often the hardest step in the research paper writing process. It is also a very important step. If you choose a topic that is very broad - "Poverty" - you will be overwhelmed with information and you will have difficulty organizing your ideas and findings into a manageable, cohesive paper. If you choose a topic that is very narrow - "Gifted Children Living in Poverty Benefit From Having Pet Fish" - obviously, you will have trouble finding enough sources to support your paper. Take time to focus your topic.
If you can, try to choose a topic that truly interests you. For Professor Baker's assignment, you will be choosing a controversial topic and finding sources that are for it as well as sources that are against it. (Thankfully, controversial topics are often the most interesting topics!)
Not finding sources that are either pro or con?
*Not seeing a topic that interests you on the list provided by Professor Baker?
*Remember to get your selected topic approved by Professor Baker.
This Library Guide on argumentative or persuasive research paper topics will help clarify what an argumentative topic would be.
Ebooks and databases are available to all currently enrolled students as well as faculty and staff.
The library is now using Single Sign On (SSO) access with Open Athens
Students: Use your Passport credentials - Student ID number and Password (default: two-digit month and two-digit year of your birth).
Staff/Faculty: Use your Polk email address and password
Search Polk State College's library resources here:
