Module 2 · Research & Sources

Finding & Using Outside Sources

Thursday, October 8, 2026

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Knapp Hall 006

Convocation Day (early dismissal)

LI 100 · Writing With Joy: Self-Regulated Learning · Instructor: Dr. Greer-Effs

Today's Focus

Finding & Using Outside Sources: developing search terms, searching the library, and evaluating sources with the CRAAP test.

Read / review by today:

Berea Writes! Ch. 6: Finding & Using Outside Sources
Adams, S. & Nichols, A. (2025) · Berea Writes! Handbook
Hutchins Library: Finding Credible Sources (CRAAP video)
Hutchins Library · Berea College

Agenda at a Glance

Today's session schedule
Time	Segment	Min
1:00 – 1:10 PM	Review & share-out: Tuesday Oct 6 Independent Study Day work	10
1:10 – 1:20 PM	Mountain Day reflection share-out (151st Mountain Day)	10
1:20 – 1:40 PM	Berea Writes! Ch. 6: Finding & Using Outside Sources	20
1:40 – 1:55 PM	Hutchins Library instructional video + research databases tour	15
1:55 – 2:15 PM	Develop key search terms + search articles/books + evaluate with CRAAP	20
2:15 – 2:30 PM	Argument-driven essay work time	15

1:00 – 1:10 PM · 10 min

1. Independent Study Day Share-Out

Tuesday, October 6 was an Independent Study Day (no class). Take turns sharing what you worked on: reading, drafting, outlining, or research. Name one thing you accomplished and one thing you still need.

1:10 – 1:20 PM · 10 min

2. Mountain Day Reflection

Yesterday was Berea College's 151st Mountain Day. Share a short reflection on the day: what did you notice, what did it mean to you, and how does joy or community connect to your writing life?

1:20 – 1:40 PM · 20 min

3. Berea Writes! Ch. 6: Finding & Using Outside Sources

We will review what counts as a source, the difference between scholarly and popular sources, and how to integrate outside sources into an argument-driven essay. Keep your working thesis in mind as we discuss.

Open Berea Writes! Ch. 6

1:40 – 1:55 PM · 15 min

4. Hutchins Library Instructional Video

We will watch the Hutchins Library video on finding credible sources and take a quick tour of the library databases and the BANC catalog. Note one database you want to try for your own topic.

Open Hutchins Library: Finding Credible Sources

1:55 – 2:15 PM · 20 min

5. Develop Search Terms & Evaluate Sources

Build your search (work through each step):

1.
Brainstorm key terms
List the core concepts from your working topic and thesis.
2.
Find synonyms & related terms
Add alternate wording so you don't miss useful sources.
3.
Build Boolean searches
Combine terms with AND, OR, and NOT to widen or narrow results.
4.
Search library databases
Use Hutchins Library databases and BANC catalog for articles and books.
5.
Evaluate with the CRAAP test
Run each promising source through Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose.
6.
Save & cite as you go
Record the full citation for each source you keep; use the Citation Generator.

The CRAAP Test: Evaluate Your Sources

Before you cite a source, run it through the CRAAP test. Tap each letter to see the questions to ask.

C = Currency

The timeliness of the information.

When was the information published or posted?
Has it been revised or updated?
Is the information current or out-of-date for your topic?
Are the links functional?

2:15 – 2:30 PM · 15 min

6. Argument-Driven Essay Work Time

Use this protected work time on your culminating argument-driven essay. Apply today's search terms and the CRAAP test to gather at least one new credible source, then integrate it into your outline.