HS 110 - Historical Studies: Rock, Race, and Class - Popular Music since World War 2

Joan Baez and Bob Dylan performing at the March on Washington, 1963

Beginning your research with reference resources helps you discover background information like terminology, central figures and dates and an overview of existing literature on your topic. Look for:

• Definitions of key terms
• Historical context
• Biographical information
• Critical interpretation of texts
• Bibliographies detailing relevant scholarship

Use these specialized encyclopedias and reference texts to get an overview of the subject, or to familiarize yourself with terminology and key concepts.

General background information is helpful in the early stages of a research project. These databases are an excellent place to begin.