Research Guides: WRT 102 --Burns--The Research Essay: Contexts

Historical Background

Research the historical period in which the work was written.

Gale in Context: U.S. History This link opens in a new window
"Contextual information on hundreds of the most significant people, events, and topics in U.S. history. Topics range from the arrival of Vikings in North America to the first stirrings of the American Revolution and on through the Civil Rights movement, September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and the War on Terror." -Gale
Gale in Context: World History This link opens in a new window
"Reaches back to the ancient world and forward to today's headlines to deliver a chronicle of the people, cultures, events, and societies that have formed the history of the human race. A range of topics such as Aztecs, Industrial Revolution, Silk Road, the Buddha, Space Race, and more provide a wide perspective across the globe." -Gale

Salem Press: History This link opens in a new window
Overviews of key events and people across history.

Research the literary movement or genre with which the work is associated.

Literary Movements for Students (e-book)
Use the Table of Contents, Index and Search box to find an author, or information about a literary movement.
Gale Contextual Encyclopedia of World Literature (e-book)
Use search box (top right) to search for your author or literary movement.
Poetry and Drama: Literary Terms and Concepts
Use the alphabetical Index to find poets and literary devices in poetry.

Research the social/cultural context in which the work was written.

African American Experience This link opens in a new window
African American history and culture.
American Indian Experience This link opens in a new window
Native American history and culture.
Latino American Experience This link opens in a new window
Latino American history and culture
Pop Culture Universe This link opens in a new window
American history and popular culture, including fads and entertainment.