So you've got an idea, or an assignment. But maybe a vague idea is all you've got. You need more information about your topic before you can begin to define a problem your research will address. Or maybe you've got some more specific target in mind, but you need more background. Where to start?

Helpful Resources available at Loyola

• Loyola Libraries offer a general guide, on-line, to Research 101. It sets out a program for identifying and defining your topic, seeking background information and using library and on-line resources to get information, evaluating your sources, and crediting them properly in your paper. This basic plan is sound and helpful, though it's not specifically related to research in Classical Studies. Here are some targeted resources that will get you straight into Classical topics:
• The Oxford Classical Dictionary, Simon Hornblower and Antony Spawforth, eds., 3^rd edn. rev. (2003): Cudahy Reference, DE 5 .O9 2003
  • good overviews of most of the larger topics a Classical scholar could probably imagine as of the late 20th century, and very many smaller topics also; with bibliography for the most important places to turn next
• The Cambridge Ancient History, John Boardman et al., eds., 2^nd edn. (1982-): Cudahy Reference, D 57 .C252 1982
  • articles on all aspects of ancient Greek and Roman history, in many volumes and an ongoing project of revision and updating; references to other important discussions in footnotes
• L'Année philologique: bibliographie critique et analytique de l'antiquité gréco-latine (1924-): on line at a Loyola Flagship site, and hard copy in Cudahy Reference, Z 7016 .M35 A2
  • Don't think that if you don't read French, this won't be useful to you!! It is an annual index of items published in all languages, anywhere on the globe, on all conceivable topics of research in Classical Studies, broken down by authors and by other categories, with cross-listing.
• Sr. Rita Stalzer, Loyola's Bibliographer in Classical Studies, has prepared a useful index-page, a gateway to on-line resources especially useful for Classical Studies. Note, however, that many classical journals and reference works are not covered by on-line indexes: you will need print.
• Pegasus, Loyola's on-line catalogue, can help you find whether Loyola Libraries own books you want to use, or journals in which scholarly articles are printed. If not, Online Request Forms (for Interlibrary Loan or other requests) can help you to get hold of resources you need.

Taking it further, or unsnagging difficulties:

Exploiting Secondary Sources You Have Already Identified

• Of course, there's the content the secondary work offers. But also:
• Does it list a bibliography? See whether other works listed there also relate to your topic, and look for them.
• Footnotes or endnotes in a scholarly work will refer you to resources especially relevant to topics immediately under discussion: sometimes primary sources, sometimes other studies with which the author agrees or disagrees.

Help in Need

• Your instructor has a vested interest in seeing you get the most out of your project possible; and will be able to be most helpful if you can come with groundwork of research laid, and questions outlined for what you want to know next.
• Librarians can help with many questions; ask at the Help desk.

Writing the Paper

• Pulling your research together, making an argument, and advancing your argument persuasively:
  • Dr. Long's Strategic Guide to Writing Papers
  • Loyola Libraries' Research 101. Note especially the sections "Evaluate what you find" and "Cite what you find" - these activities are vital for all research.
• Seeking help:
  • Your instructor
  • Loyola's Learning Assistance Services, in the Sullivan Center, including the Tutoring Center (peer-counselors)
  • Loyola's Writing Centers (sponsored by the Department of English: graduate students with expertise in writing pedagogy), Sullivan Center 245 and on the Water Tower Campus in 25 East Pearson 605

Revised 1 January 2008 by jlong1@luc.edu
http://www.luc.edu/classicalstudies/