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International Relations Debate Research - copy

 

Plan -- how will I find this information?

Think about where you are going to get information about your debate topic. The best research incorporates information gathered from various credible sources including (but not limited to):

  • Books
  • Journals (Scholarly, Popular and Trade)
  • Newspapers
  • Websites
  • Reference resources
  • Videos and other multimedia

 

 

Issue Websites

  • AllSides: provides a breadth of perspectives on today's news, issues and opinions.
  • ProCon.org: Provides resources for critical thinking and to educate without bias.
  • CQ Researcher: In-depth reports on today’s issues

 

 

Cite Your Sources

The Unit 5 English department has created the U5 Research Paper Handbook to assist students in citing a variety of source types.  
 
The Researched Paper

 
Use MyBib (free bibliographic software) to manage and cite your sources!
MyBib

 

 

Preparing for your IR debate:

cartoon woman asking %22where do I begin?%22

A debate is an opportunity for intelligent people who have informed themselves on an issue to exchange ideas and formulate arguments regarding an important issue, policy, or decision. Here are some tips to get yourself prepared:

  • Do your research. There's no substitute for good research. Find high quality information from a variety of reputable sources, including those that don't align with your position on the issue. It's important that you understand as many viewpoints as possible to formulate effective arguments.
  • Use your research to create arguments - do not list information and expect them to make your arguments for you. An arguments uses evidence to advance a claim (what you want your audience to agree with).
  • Acknowledge counter-arguments (the viewpoints of those who disagree), doing so enables you to explain why your position is stronger or preferable.
  • Focus on the arguments and issues at hand, NOT on attacking the other person (this reduces your credibility). You can point out the weakness in the other person's arguments without getting personal.
  • Listen carefully at ALL times. You have much to learn from your opponent(s), and your ability to make good arguments depends on how well you've understood their arguments.

Get organized! The SIRS Issues Research Guide walks you step-by-step through the writing arguments process!

“Preparing for a Debate | Wittenberg University.” Wittenberg.Edu, 2019, https://www.wittenberg.edu/sites/default/files/media/occ/forms/debate.pdf. Accessed 25 Oct. 2020.

More reputable places to find information:

Websites:

  • U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets
  • Amnesty International
  • BBC Country Profiles
  • CIA World Factbook
  • CIAONET
  • Department of State
  • Freedom House
  • Global Conflict Tracker l Council on Foreign Relations
  • Global Issues: http://www.globalissues.org/
  • UN
  • World Health Organization

World News Sources:

There's more!

Are you taking a Dual Credit class? Don't forget your Heartland ID gives you access to the Heartland databases as well as the I-share catalog! It's a good opportunity for you to become familiar with their databases, subject guides and the wealth of resources at the college level! If you have questions about how to use them just stop by the IMC and ask Mrs. H how!

 
If you forgot your Heartland dual credit login information you can contact Heartland IT at helpdesk@heartland.edu or the Admissions office at 268-8010.
 
 
Don't forget about Google Scholar!

 

Recommended Research Databases

All of the following research databases can be accessed from home!  You will need a library ID or password to access them outside of school.  This information can be found in the IMC Brochure.  

Opposing Viewpoints In Context
An entire library of information on controversial issues, this database contains viewpoint articles, topic overviews, links to web sites, full-text magazine and newspaper articles and more. 


Provides background and current analysis necessary for the research of current Leading Issues. Analysis and opinions cover the pros, cons, and everything in between on the most researched and debated social issues. 

Supports global awareness and provides a global perspective while tying together a wealth of authoritative content, empowering learners to critically analyze and understand the most important issues of the modern world.

Student Resources in Context
 

 

 

Find a book:

Search our library catalog for print books. 

 
 
West Book Catalog

Search eBooks available through Gale Virtual Reference Library.

GVRL Research matters link