References and Resources

Download the 2010-11 Essay Packet as a PDF

The OCC Librarians have put together the following list of resources and suggested search strategies to help you select your topic and gather information before you begin writing your essay. Please visit the OCC Libraries virtually or in person for assistance in locating these and other resources on your chosen topic. The OCC Library website has links to OCC Campus Library locations and hours and connects you to many resources available online.

Just Getting Started?

The Book Collections at the OCC Campus Libraries are a great place to explore ideas for a possible topic. The following titles might provide a good starting point:

• Culture and Customs of [country name] Series of books on countries and their culture. For call numbers click on the title. Campus Libraries: AH, HL, OR, RO
• CultureGrams: The Nations Around Us. Orem, Utah: Culturegrams 2004-2010.
GT 850.C85 Campus Libraries: HL, RO, SF
• State of the World: a Worldwatch Institute Report on Progress Toward a Sustainable Society. New York: Norton, 2008-2010 HC 59.B7 Campus Libraries: AH, HL, OR, RO

To find more books in the Library Catalog use the Subject Keyword search to focus your search. Search terms to try: Education, Religion, Gender Roles, Immigration, Elections. You may wish to include a country name in with your search terms.

Online Reference Books (log-in with your Online Services ID & Password):

• Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America, 2nd ed., 3v, 2000
• Countries and Their Cultures, 4v, 2001
• Encyclopedia of Religion, 2nd ed., 15v, 2005
• Encyclopedia of Race and Racism, 3v, 2009
• Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender, 4v, 2007

Journal Articles:

Begin on the Library Find Articles / Databases link from the OCC Libraries webpage. Click on the link to the database of your choice. If you are asked for a password, use your OCC Online Services ID/PW. Many general databases , such as Academic OneFile and Academic Search Elite will have articles related to countries

Example of Search in Academic Search Elite:

1. Choose Advanced search
2. 1st text box: Families – select “subject” in the dropdown menu
3. 2nd text box: Japan – select “subject” in the dropdown menu

Other databases to try:

• CQ Global Researcher
• Points of View

Subject Guides: High quality online sources compiled by the librarians at OCC:

• Political Science
• Background Notes - Country data from the U.S. Dept. of State
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada > Cultural Profiles - Cultural aspects of many countries, including the USA
• Country Studies - from the Library of Congress
• Europa - About Europe and the European Union
• Foreign Governments and International Agencies and Information - from UM Documents Center
• CIA World Factbook - Country Data from the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency)

English Writing Aids (Tips on how to write essays)

Writing & Research Aids

• Best Information on the Net > Plagiarism
• ipl2 > A+ Research & Writing
• Online Writing Lab Handouts - Useful handouts from Utah Valley University
• Purdue Online Writing Lab

Citation Aids

• How to Cite Sources

Additional Subject Guides to Explore:

• Social Sciences
• Religion