The research process is a series of multiple steps. Look at creating a research plan. Your instructor may have given you a topic/question to research or the freedom to come up with your own topic/question. Just take a few moments to think about the following:
- What am I trying to accomplish?
- How interested am I in this idea?
- How much time do I have?
- What information and resources are available?
- Does your issue have sub-topics that you need to know more about?
- What is the assigned length of the research paper?
- Develop keywords/phrases and refine your topic.
- Gather background information.
The field of Africana Studies:
Examines the history, culture, and politics of people of African descent in Africa and the African diaspora.
- Africana Studies can be broken down into the following areas:
- African Studies
- African American Studies
- African Caribbean Studies
- African Diasporic Studies
Preliminary Bibliography:
An annotated bibliography on your research topic is due before Spring Break. This means a paragraph description for each entry that synthesizes what the article or book is about. As a principle of collaborative learning, bibliography on selected research area is to be shared with the class.
For tips on writing an annotated visit: https://guides.library.cornell.edu/annotatedbibliography.