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HIST133: History of Sexuality (Randall): Getting Started

Finding Background Information on Your Topic

Encyclopedias, and Other Reference Sources

Encyclopedias, dictionaries and other reference sources are a great way to get started and to find an overview or background information on your topic from various perspectives.                                  

Online Reference Collections

Finding Background Information

At the beginning of the research process, it's very useful to get an overview of your topic. Encyclopedias, dictionaries and other reference sources are a great way to get started and to find background information on your topic from various perspectives. For example the Encyclopedia of European Social History from 1350 to 2000 includes lengthy articles on sexual behavior and sexual morality;  the body and its representation; pornography;  sex, law, and the state; etc.   If you are interested in sexuality and colonial power,  the Encyclopedia of Western Colonialism  has a good overview on sex and sexuality in the Empires. 

Encyclopedia of European Social History from 1350 to 2000

The International Encyclopedia of Sexuality

Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender

An Encyclopedia of Western Colonialism since 1450

Gay Histories and Cultures: an Encyclopedia

Lesbian Histories and Cultures: an Encyclopedia