HIST 6306: Disease and Epidemics in World History: Overview

• HIST 6306
• Introduction to the Digital Humanities: Disease and Epidemics in World History
• Dr. Bianca Lopez
• Fall 2022

Gathering Background Information

As you get started, you can get ideas from class discussions or readings.

If it is a topic you are just getting started with, look for background Information in reference resources.

Reference resources allow you to:

• Gain familiarity with the topic
• Identify more specific aspects of the topic on which to focus
• Provide context and identify differing perspectives
• Identify experts related to the topic

Searching

Once you have identified a topic, select the terms and phrases that are essential to understanding the topic.

• How should you search?
  • Where (what databases) should you search?
  • What search terms should you use? Does your assignment give you any search terms?
    • Should you use Natural language search (using key words), or Controlled Vocabulary search (using subject term search)?
  • Will Boolean search (AND, OR, NOT) help?
  • Will limiting by date or place of publication help?
  •  If you are using a database heavily:
    • 1. use advanced search
    • 2. and look in help for suggestions on how to construct your search