Contemporary Issues: A Research Guide

Many times students are asked to write position papers that refute or support particular viewpoints about issues relevant in today's society. Not only students, but others interested in contemporary issues and the various complex policies surrounding them will find the resources below to be helpful. Issues like abortion, cloning, death penalty, euthanasia, and full-day kindergarten pose challenges to people who want to fully understand the major issues at hand. The materials below will help beginning researchers as well as those looking for more comprehensive coverage. The terms and phrases listed in the subject headings below can be used to search for more materials in the library's catalog and research databases. If you need further assistance, please ask a librarian.

CQ Researcher. Washington, DC : Congressional Quarterly, 1991. Weekly. ISSN: 10562036.
Weekly reports on wide range of current events and issues; each report on one topic and gives both sides of an argument.

Opposing Viewpoints Series. San Diego : Greenhaven Press.
Over hundreds of topics are included in this series. Each title explores a specific issue by placing expert opinions in a unique pro/con format.

Sample Titles:
• Abortion. 2001. ISBN: 0737707771.
• American Values. 2002. ISBN: 0737703431.
• Death Penalty. 2001. ISBN: 0737707917.
• Extremist Groups. 2001. ISBN: 0737706554.
• Global Warming. 2001. ISBN: 073770909X.

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Debatabase, International Debate Education Association
www.debatabase.org
Includes arguments for and against hundreds of debating topics. Written by expert debaters, judges, and coaches. Also included are background summaries, links to Web sites of interest, and recommended books, example motions, and user comments. Sponsored by the International Debate Education Association.

Justice Talking
www.justicetalking.org
Tackles current hot topics with reports from the field, polling analysis, and compelling debate between the nation's leading advocates and political opposites. Sponsored by National Public Radio.

Public Agenda
www.publicagenda.org
Explains and clarifies public attitudes about complex policy issues. Provides research studies and issue guides on topics like the right to die, illegal drugs, America's global role, and more.

International Debate Education Association (IDEA)
www.idebate.org
IDEA is an independent membership organization of national debate programs and associations and other organizations and individuals that support debate. IDEA provides assistance to national debate associations and organizes an annual international summer camp.