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HIST 212: The History of the African American Family (Spring 2025)

Key Databases for Peer Reviewed Articles

Tips for Finding Articles

  • Be sure to start in the correct subject database.
    • America: History & Life is excellent for US history
    • Historical Abstracts is excellent for non US history
    • Black Studies Center is multi-disciplinary and will cover contemporary issues
  • Be sure to use boolean.
  • Be sure to use limiters in the databases.
  • Start with keyword search but pay attention to suggested subject headings. (Example)
  • Do not limit to full text only.
  • Pay attention to publication date.
  • Keep it simple! Only use 2 or 3 search terms, don't go overboard.
    • If your interested in the Historical role of the Church & religion in the African American family, keep it simple with basic keywords:
      • ("African American families" OR "black families") AND (religion OR church*)

Subject headings of interest

These are all subject headings that will help narrow your searches

  • Civil Rights
  • Black people
  • African Americans
  • African American Families
  • African Diaspora
  • Blacks
  • Family traditions

In cases where you're unsure, use OR to search both in the subject box to maximize results. Example:
"African American Families" OR "black families"