Skip to Main Content

HIST 150: Southern Queery (Spring 2023)

Getting Started

  1. Start by writing out your question or topic.
  2. identify key terms
  3. identify potential synonyms
  4. Use AND OR NOT to create search phrases. 
  5. Conduct several searches, revising keywords backed on subject terms & commonly used language in the articles/books.

Example Search: Student LGBTQ organizations at WM

  1. Start by writing out your question or topic.
    1. What is the history of LGBT student groups at W&M?
  2. identify key terms
    1. William and Mary 
    2. LGBT
    3. Student Groups
  3. identify potential synonyms
    1. William and Mary ; William & Mary
    2. LGBT ; Gay ; bisexual ; Variations of LGBT
    3. Students ; student groups ; student organizations
  4. Use AND OR NOT to create search phrases. 
    1. ("william and mary" OR "william & mary") AND (LGBT* OR Gay OR bisexual*) AND student*
  5. Conduct several searches, revising keywords backed on subject terms & commonly used language in the articles/books.

IMPORTANT NOTE: while looking for secondary sources, use modern language & phrases.