DRGN 1000: Red Dragon Seminar (Gibbins) Spring 2025

Welcome to the DRGN 1000 course guide for Dr. Gibbins' Red Dragon course. This guide will contain helpful links to material covered in class. It contains information on how to locate online materials, print materials, and how to get library help. 

When beginning a research project, start by reflecting on your prior knowledge of the topic. How much do you already know, and how confident do you feel about moving forward? In most cases, you’ll need to gather some general information to build a solid foundation. A great way to start is by familiarizing yourself with your local library, especially your public library. Many public libraries have dedicated local history sections or pages that can offer valuable insights and resources, such as historical documents, photographs, newspapers, maps, and other unique materials that might not be accessible elsewhere. Librarians can also guide you in navigating these collections and help deepen your understanding of the topic.

Reference books (encyclopedias, handbooks, chronologies) are valuable sources of information.

• Brief overviews
• Important concepts, names, and dates
• Lists of sources for further reading
• Free photocopying at Research Help Desk
• Do not generally count as required sources

History Sources

Cambridge Histories Online                                                                                                                       Under Databases on library web site

Complete text of over 350 scholarly books in the Cambridge History Series and published by Cambridge University Press.  Each title is also listed individually in the library's online catalog.  Dates vary.  Some titles are available in print in the library.

Dictionary of New York History                                                                                                                                         Ref F 117 D53 2006

Encyclopedia of New York                                                                                                                                                 Ref F 118 E57 1996

Encyclopedia of New York City                                                                                                                                         Ref F 128.3 E75 2010

Encyclopedia of New York State                                                                                                                                       Ref F 119 E53 2005 and

                                                                           NYS F 119 E53 2005   SB

Historical Statistics of the United States                                                                                                      Under Databases on library web site

            A compendium of statistics from over 1000 sources.  Contains over37,000 data series.  Topics ranging from migration and health to crime and the Confederate States of America are each placed in historical                  context by a recognized expert in the field.  Coverage is from about 1600 to 2000.

Naming New York                                                                                                                                                              Ref F 128.67 A1 F45 2001

Biography Sources

American National Biography                                                                                                                                          Ref CT 213 A68 1999

            Includes entries on major national figures in American history.

Biography and Genealogy Master Index                                                                                                       Under Databases on library web site

Gives citations to sources of biographical information for contemporary and historical figures around the world.