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English 2: Monstrous (Con)Texts Spring 2016: Forming a Topic

Interests Into Topics

Research, when done well, is a messy, creative, and powerful process that ultimately leads to learning and the creation of new knowledge. 

An important part of the research process is turning your interests into topic ideas. A good topic should:

  • Spark your interest and curiosity
  • Inspire deep and critical thinking
  • Change as you learn more

You already have an idea of what you want to explore for this essay. Before you do any further research, think about it again. Use the following questions to guide you...

Why Did You Choose Your Topic?

  • Why does your topic interest you?
  • Have you researched it before?
  • What will you gain by learning more about it?

What Do You Already Know About It?

Jot down anything that comes to mind, including:

  • Facts: Names, dates, places, terms. Don't worry about total accuracy at this point, since you can always verify later.
  • Feelings: How does your topic make you feel? Is it inspiring, perplexing, fascinating, terrifying? 
  • Impact: What meaning does this topic have in your own life? 

What Do You Still Need To Find Out?

Consider what you still need or want to know about your topic. Articulate this in the form of questions, and use these questions to guide your research.

Contact a Librarian

Please feel free to get in touch with a librarian at absolutely any stage of your research process.

We encourage you to schedule a research consultation with Ashley Peterson (apeterson@smfa.edu, 617-369-3653)  for an in-depth discussion about your research goals. 

For quicker questions, please feel free to stop by the Library's front desk (located on the third floor of the B side of the Fenway building). You can also email or call the front desk at library@smfa.edu/617-369-3650.

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