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THT 234: Introduction to Theatre

Student seated next to backpack reading a journal in the mezzanine" " Preliminary Research

To help familiarize yourself with your topic, it is helpful to do preliminary research in encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc. Preliminary research can also help with:

  • Identifying keywords and synonyms for searches
  • Determining if your topic is too broad or too narrow
  • Identifying sub-topics
  • Seeing if there is current research on your topic

Find Background Information

Use the following resources to get a general, high-level information about your area of interest

How to Narrow Your Topic

Having a narrow topic will save you hours of research. Take the time to answer these questions to narrow your topic:

    What?

    • What is your topic?
    • What other issues/ events are similar or related to your topic?

  • Who?

    • Who is affected by your topic? Think of groups, corporations, governments
    • Who is involved?

  • How?

    • How does your topic impact society, culture, politics, economics, etc.?

  • Why?

    • Why does this topic matter to you?
    • Why should it matter to others?

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