LibGuides: VVC Library: Pro & Con Controversial Issues

Pro & Con Controversial Issues

The information below will assist you with choosing a controversial topic and finding research materials presenting both sides of an issue. Even if you are not writing a Pro & Con paper, these sources are a good starting point for providing background information on a topic and to help narrow your focus to one or two issues for your paper. Once you have identified the issues, you will be equipped to begin selecting articles from research databases, books, and other resources to support your viewpoint.

Library Resources

Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context This link opens in a new window
Provides a complete one-stop resource for information on social issues. Access controversial viewpoint articles, topic overviews, statistics, primary documents, links to Web sites, and full-text magazine and newspaper articles.

Tip: Click the Browse Issues link in the site navigation bar for an A-Z list of popular topics.
Congressional Digest This link opens in a new window
The online version of the monthly publication presenting analysis and debate on important public policy issues facing the U.S. Congress. Each month is devoted to a single controversial topic (Welfare Reform, School Prayer, Chemical Weapons, etc.) that includes pro and con position papers from members of Congress. Available full-text in Academic Search Complete Library database.
CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
A weekly online publication that covers current and controversial issues. Complete summaries, discussion covering all sides of the issue, and annotated bibliographies are provided for each topic. Users are able to view the current issue, search past issues, or browse by topic, pro/con, and date.

Tip: Click the Browse Reports tab at the top of the homepage for a list of popular topics and pro/con issues.

Web Resources

ProCon.org
A nonprofit and nonpartisan organization whose mission is "Promoting critical thinking, education, and informed citizenship by presenting controversial issues..." Each issue is supported by its own home page and contains in-dept resources on the topic.