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Welcome! Read Me First!

Welcome ENGL 1106!

This guide will help you find information for your research paper.

First: Google is awesome! You've probably learned how to search Google a long time ago. Google will only help you so much for your assignment (and other assignments in university). Library databases will help you find relevant and timely information for your essays. This page will help you command your search and get the results you want (not ads and fake news that you see on Google).

Remember research is NOT a linear process. Although I suggest steps to follow, you may repeat steps and this is okay! Need more help? Contact your librarian!

Step 1: Review Braiding Sweetgrass

It's a good idea to know what you're working from. Robin Wall Kimmerer's Braiding Sweetgrass is available from the library as both a physical book and an ebook, so you can review it in whatever format you prefer.

Depending on the direction you're taking, it may also be helpful to review our Indigenous Research Methdologies subject guide.

Step 2: Background Information

Next you'll want some background/reference information on a traditional art, craft, or performance, a ritual, or a ceremony.

Try the following databases:

Step 3: Keywords! Plan Your Search

Once you select your topic, identify the major concepts or keywords in the topic.

Example 1: Indigenous beading as cultural exchange and solidarity

Now, select 2-3 major keywords.

For each keyword, select 2 synonyms or related terms.Beading, Indigenous, Culture

 

Example 2: Paper as an art object

Again, select 2-3 major keywords. For each keyword, select synonyms or related terms.

Keywords: Paper, Art, Object

Step 4: Search Databases and Novanet, and other useful resources

Using your keywords, try searching for your topic in any of  the following databases or Novanet.  You can find secondary (scholarly) sources, by selecting "limit to: peer-reviewed scholarly journals".  Depending on your topic, you may have to search more than one database to find articles or books.

There are also a few potential resources that may be of help, on topics such as rituals, performance, and the William Morris Arts & Crafts Movement. You don't have to use these! They are offered as they may be helpful, again depending on the direction you're taking.

Note: Try @ CBU is a link to the PDF!

Step 5: Cite Your Sources!

Use the citation guides from the Library and the Writing Centre to help you format your in-text citations and Works Cited page!