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This guide will help you find resources for your Introduction to Political Science class. You'll find information about how to find books, search for articles, and about the many services University Libraries has to offer. Have additional questions?
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What are reference materials?
Reference materials are helpful when you are looking for background information or authoritative facts on a subject. This material includes general and subject encyclopedias, dictionaries, and handbooks.
Key Reference Titles for General Information
Selected Reference works-
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Over 600 reference books, including encyclopedias, dictionaries (English and foreign language), thesauri, books of quotations, as well as a range of subject-specific reference books.
- CQ Press This link opens in a new window
Learn about major issues from current and historical perspectives and the inner workings of the U.S. government.
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics and International Relations by Call Number: E-BookISBN: 9780199670840Publication Date: 2018-03-18
Encyclopedia of American Political Parties and ElectionsProvides comprehensive coverage of the American election process and its political parties.
Dictionary of American Government and PoliticsOffers a fresh, up-to-date look at US government and politics, explaining and where necessary demystifying the key terms used in discussion of the political system. Major figures, events, ideas, movements and Supreme Court cases relevant to a study of the American political system are included with the aim of allowing readers to develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of the area.
The Concise Princeton Encyclopedia of American Political History by Call Number: E-BookISBN: 1400839467Publication Date: 2011
Encyclopedia of American Government and CivicsArticles herein address not only basic subjects covered in the study of American government -- from the Bill of Rights through voting processes--but also a wide range of contemporary issues such as abortion, capital punishment, and Social Security.
The Princeton Encyclopedia of American Political HistoryAn essential resource for anyone interested in U.S. history and politics, this two-volume encyclopedia covers the major forces that have shaped American politics from the founding to today. Addresses both the traditional topics of political history--such as eras, institutions, political parties, presidents, and founding documents---and the wider subjects of current scholarship, including military, electoral, and economic events, as well as social movements, popular culture, religion, education, race, gender, and more.
Additional reference sources
- CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
Reports on a wide range of topics, with overviews, background and timeline of a topic, assessment of the current situation, tables and maps, pro/con statements from opposing positions. 1923 to present.