The three databases listed below are great for getting topic ideas, as well as finding opinion-type of sources, broad overviews, and background information on topics. These resources are all accessible from off-campus with your Miami ID and password. They do not provide scholarly, peer reviewed sources! Use the "Finding Articles" tab for locating scholarly articles.
Opposing Viewpoints - Search or browse current controversial topics in the news. Includes book chapters, magazine articles, news sources, data, opinion/editorial content, and more. Uses MLA Style citations by default but you can also get other citation styles if needed.
CQ Researcher - Provides original, comprehensive reporting and analysis on issues in the news. Each issue reports in-depth on a single theme in the areas of political and social issues, health, international affairs, education, the environment, technology and the U.S. economy.
Points of View Reference Center - Containing resources that present multiple sides of an issue, this database provides the basis to realize and develop persuasive arguments and essays, better understand controversial issues and develop analytical thinking skills. Points of View Reference Center contains many topics, each with an overview (objective background/description), point (argument) and counterpoint (opposing argument).