Do you have an assignment that requires you to explore the pros and cons of a controversial issue such as gun control, immigration, or health care reform? Do you have to write a persuasive or argumentative essay or take a side on an issue for a speech or a debate? This website provides suggestions for finding reliable information on topics of current interest.
If you need assistance with any of these resources, contact one of your Campus Librarians or connect to the Ask-a-Librarian service: Chat | Email | Text
If you don't yet have a topic and need some ideas, these resources can help.
This database contains a frequently updated Hot Topics section that focuses on key global issues, events, and people.
Once inside the database, locate Hot Topics under Quick Links.
You've chosen a topic, but before you begin searching for sources, take some time to plan a strategy.
Concept mapping can help you to identify key search terms for finding sources on your topic. It can also help you to organize your paper and decide what aspects of your topic you want to cover. You can brainstorm search terms related to your topic by simply writing them down, but if you want to take a more visual approach, you can start with this Concept Map Worksheet [PDF], or try one of the following interactive tools.
Or, ask an AI tool such as ChatGPT to create a concept map on your topic. Be sure to specify that you want the result in a visualized format (such as a diagram).
The MDC Libraries provide free access to over 100 databases containing popular and scholarly periodicals, ebooks, videos, and other types of information resources.
The following databases are best bets for finding information on controversial issues.
If prompted to log in, enter your MDC username and password.
This page was created and is maintained by
Jenny Saxton.
Questions and comments are welcome.