French 228: Cinémas français et francophones: Getting Started

For in-depth instruction on formulating a research question and writing, see the Library Writing and Citing Guide

• Your research question should be
  • a substantive question
  • open-ended to enable you to explore broadly
  • grounded in and connected to research presented/discussed in class
• Sources you seek out should
  • answer genuine questions that arise from your initial consideration of your topic
  • serve to illustrate, extend, demonstrate, and/or inform your argument rather than make the argument for you
• Remember that
  • research is an iterative process
  • you are engaging in a conversation that started before you and contributing to it

Use the Williams library catalog to search for materials in the Williams libraries.  Using the catalog, you may search for 

• books and videos 
• full-text articles from selected library databases  
• citations to articles in the library databases or beyond (to request through interlibrary loan) 

Search Tips: 

• Searches limited to Books, Articles and More include articles + books 
• Searches limited to All Items at Williams exclude articles 
• Use the Advanced Search mode to create more effective searches 

Relevant Subject Terms:

• Motion Pictures - France 
• Motion Pictures - France - History
• Motion Pictures - Africa, French Speaking
• Cinema - France (French Heading)
• Cinematography
• Film Studies

NOTE: the term "francophonie" or "francophone" is not a term in the Library of Congress Classification System, but you can search for it as a keyword in the library catalog 

Use Williams Worldcat to search for books and films beyond the Williams libraries. 

• Search by author, title, subject the same way you search the Williams Library Catalog 
• If the book you find is not at Williams, request it by clicking on Request Item  
• Use the Advanced Search to create more effective searches