[Go Back to Main] [Project Methodology Index]

I. GETTING STARTED

You may or may not be new to the region and development related problem that you are researching. If you are having trouble getting off to a start on your research effort then try some of these ideas to rouse your mental processes. The following are just a few suggestions that could be both helpful and fun.

A. Check out local book stores

Sections to inspect:

1. Travel / photography - browse through travel guides Check out and photo books of the country-side

2. Area studies - check out categories such as Economics, Political Science, etc to get a perspective of your area.

B. Check out newspapers FROM your country

Places that carry international newspapers:

1. Newspaper stands

2. Hoover Institute at Stanford (for more details see Section II)

3. International Studies Library on campus

C. Examine maps of the country and region

Go to the Map Room located in the Main Library (Doe) to explore the variety of information on visual display. For each country there are generally several maps to look at. Map sources vary, from the National Geological Society to the CIA. Information that you will want to look for would be: demographic, physiographic, agriculture, etc. You can even make a photocopy of one for continual reference during your research.

To get a photocopy made: check out the map with your student ID and take it to one of the many copy services around. Library Copy Service (located lower level of the Main Library) charges 75 cents per square foot for a 1:1 copy.

D. Take in a video/documentary on your country

There are many documentaries covering a wide range of issues and regions which are readily accessible and convenient for getting oriented on the issues of your region.

Try the following:

1. The best source is the Moffitt Media Resources Center (MRC) which carries video cassettes and discs on a variety of countries. The best way to find out what they offer is to visit the MRC. The next best method is to search Melvyl for a partial listing. For Melvyl, select the TEN database and limit your search to library -> UCB library and form -> VIDEORECORDINGS.

2. Local public libraries carry video cassettes for public use. Try the main branches of both Oakland and Berkeley.

3. Local video shops may carry some documentary type films. Smaller shops are probably better at providing such videos.

E. Check with local cultural/ethnic clubs and associations

Now or later, trace out through course staff and others those who know firsthand about those regions you are focusing on. This is often a great way of learning how people of those regions really feel about the problem/dynamics/issues. As a cautionary and practical note: this approach may not be worthwhile if you haven't familiarized yourself first with the region and the development problem.

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