Spring 2006
Topic: Augustine and conversion
Question: Does Augustine finally convert to the Christian faith, or does his conversion represent a baptism of neo-platonism?
Topic Statement: I will demonstrate, through analysis of the conversions in Augustine's Confessions, that the bishop of Hippo never fully leaves behind his conversions, and that his conversion to Christianity changes the nature of Christianity more than it transforms Augustine.
Augustine through the ages : an encyclopedia (to better understand his influence on christianity)
Ref B655.Z69 A84 1999
Encyclopedia of religion (to read generally about the 'Confessions', especially concerning its place in history)
Ref BL31 .E46 1987
Routledge encyclopedia of philosophy online (to read about neo-platonism)
Print edition is also available: Ref B51 .R68 1998
There are probably many other reference books that would have general usefulness. For example, Masterplots (Ref PN44 .M33 1996) provides a brief synopsis of the 'Confessions', including critical analysis and a bibliography.
There are many databases which might elicit useful results. The most promising in this instance would be the book databases (Library Catalog and WorldCat) and the religion and philosophy databases (Religion Index and Philosopher's Index). I suggest the online catalog for all Catholic theology topics since our collections in this area are exceptional.
For your own thesis, consult the Humanities Subject Guide, available via the library home page.
Choice of databases is an area where the library reference staff can be very helpful; you cannot be expected to know the scope and breadth of all of the library's databases. Eventually, as you develop your academic interests, you will come to know the scope of a few of these databases very well.
Search One: Keyword Only
augustine
Search Two: Adding a Second Concept with the AND Search Connector
augustine and conversion
Search Three: Broadening One Concept with the OR Search Connector
augustine and (conversion or transformation)
Search Four: Broadening Relevant Concepts with * (Truncation Symbol)
augustin* and (conversion* or transform*)
Please note: sometimes the symbol is a ! or a +; ask for help on this
Search Five: Limiting to a Highly Specialized Topic
augustin* and (conversion* or transform*) and (neoplaton* or platon*)
(or, for readings related to historical significance)
augustin* and (conversion* or transform*) and (influenc* or significan* or impact*)
Please note: Search Five examples are only recommended when searching a specialized database such as Religion Index. Or you might try this in a very large database such as WorldCat (consists of book records numbering in the billions!)
For example, when appropriate materials are located, look further for things like:
- Books nearby on shelves
- Footnotes and bibliographies within book chapters or journal articles
- Subject headings bearing additional links/search terms not previously used
- For books: search our Library Catalog
- For journal articles: search our Journal Finder
- For items that are not available locally:
- ask for help at the reference desk
- click on the link for Interlibrary Loan and make your request. You will usually receive the material in 5-10 days.
See the library's How To Cite Your Sources guide for resources on how to properly cite research materials. Always confirm the style required by your instructor.
Compiled by: Nancy "Sam" Urtz
