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PSCI 1041: Honors American Government

This class page is for Dr. Diane Verrill's Political Science 1041 (Honors American Government); however, it has basic research steps that are useful for any research you do. If you find you need more help, use the Ask Us services. Library reference staff members can be reached in person and through phone and email. You may also contact the library liaison for the Political Science Department, Julie Leuzinger.

Required Text

New American Democracy-Volume I: New American Democracy with Texas Chapters, Volume I, Custom Edition. New York: Longman.

Your text book is located at the Circulation and Reserve Desk in Willis Library on two hour reserve (you will need your UNT ID card).

Finding Course Reserves

• From the UNT Libraries Home Page, select the link Find Course Reserves on the left side of the page.
• The default search is Course Number, type your course into the text box: PSCI 1041, then click Submit.
• Take the call number and your UNT ID card to the Willis Library Circulation and Reserve Desk to request the book.

 NOTE: You may now check out laptops at the Willis Library first floor information desk!

Discussion Day Papers

The writing for this class will be in the form of discussion day papers.

There are three discussion days and each paper will be worth 50 points, for a 150 point maximum available. Details/Reminders: Papers should be 4-5 typed pages, double-spaced in 10-12 point font. Deductions will be taken for factual inaccuracies as well as spelling and/or grammar errors. Full credit will be given only for papers that synthesize (integrate) ideas, not for mere summaries.

Basic Steps in Researching for a Paper

First Step: How to find books: Search the UNT Libraries Catalog

• Click on this link for UNT Library Catalog
• Select  Subject from the drop down menu.
• Search by subject to find journals and books about your topic. For other searches, keyword is the better choice. Once you get to the subject page you will see a list of subjects within the library's catalog that refer to your topic, select one of these subjects.

Second Step: How to find journal articles: Search in Academic Search Complete

• Click on this link for Academic Search Complete
  
• If you are off campus, you will be prompted to enter your EUID and Password (if you need to look up your EUID or reset your Password, you can do this through UNT's Account Management System)
• Enter the topic you are searching in the text field and click Search (if your topic is more than one word use parenthesis to let the database know you want to search all of the words together: "Constitution Day").

• From the results page you can use the limiters on the left hand side to limit to Scholarly (Peer Reviewed) Sources.

• If you find you still have too many results, limit them by using the term AND in the text box at the top left to limit your subject, then click search. 

• How do I know if I have too many or to few results? For your assignment let's say 5 is too few an over 30 is too many.

Research Tools

• Political Science Subject Guide
• Online Citation Guides and Style Manuals
• How to find Books in the UNT Library Catalog
• How to find Articles
• Evaluating Websites
• Quick Online General Reference
• Online Political Science Reference via CQ Press (you will be required to log in with your EUID and Password if you are off campus)

• What is a Peer Reviewed Source?

  Peer reviewed sources are articles reviewed by a panel of experts in the field before being published.

  (For more information, see the What is a Peer-Reviewed Journal Article? page)

  How to evaluate websites
  

  S = Source, Somebody created this site? Who?
  N = Nature, Why does this site exist? Purpose?
  A = Appearance/Accessibility, Does this site function efficiently?
  P = Page Content, Is the information accurate and reliable?

  (For more information, see the Evaluating Websites page)

  APA Style examples online:

  OWL by Purdue - APA formating and style guide (updated to 6th edition). Always check APA manual!

  NOTE!

• Always be sure that you are using the most current edition, unless older editions are approved.

General Library Information

• UNT Libraries Home Page
  
• Willis Library Phone: 940-565-2413 or Toll-Free at 877-872-0264
• Willis Library Hours

UNT Libraries Locations

UNT has several libraries. Most Political Science materials can be found on the third floor of Willis Library, which is the large library located across from the Eagle Student Services Center and the Administrative Building (the clock tower). You can find a map of library locations here:

• Campus Map (click on W from the alphabet list to find the "Willis Library")
• Library Locations

Willis Library General Info

• The public printer is on the first floor in the Image Depot, it is 10 cents per page to print (You may print for free with your student ID in the Willis 24 Hour Lab; however they do have a limit on how much you can print.)
• Photocopy machines and scanners are also located on the first floor in the Image Depot.
• Public computers are available on every floor.
• Restrooms and water fountains are located in the corner stairwells of every floor.

WRITING HELP:

For writing assistance please contact the writing lab.

 

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