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Construct a Star Diagram:
Generate Ideas

Step 8

At this point, you might be asking "What does the Star Diagram have to do with getting ideas for a topic?" That is a fair question that is answered in Step 8.

It is best if you can somehow relate to your topic; to select a topic that has meaning for you. One way to do that is to begin by thinking of various topics and then considering whether or not they are interesting. Another way is to begin with your interests and then apply those to the topic. This is the basis of the star diagram.

Based on your interests, what are potential research topics about which you would like to write? At this point, don’t worry about the course topic. Just come up with your list.

Once your list is finished, you can make modifications to your list. For example, World War II battles might be a topic that interests you. Yet this topic would not be appropriate for an Ancient World History course. But, your interest in World War II suggests that you might be interested in battles fought in the ancient world.

Some people might want to skip the intermediary step by just asking how their interests relate to the topic. That is what I did to generate the list below; topics that assumed I had to write a paper on the Middle East. For example, I listed my parents on the star diagram. At the time, they were in Arizona. Arizona has deserts and the Middle East has deserts. Comparing the American to Middle East deserts is a potential topic.

Brainstorming Rule: Don’t Eliminate Ideas

As you brainstorm, write down everything. This is not the time to eliminate ideas.

I included many potential topics on which list even though I had absolutely no interest in pursuing them. My job was to generate a list of potential topics from which I could eventually select a topic.

Results of Brainstorming

The Schoolcraft College International Institute selects one geographic area each year on which to focus. In this example, the brainstorming list assumed that the assignment was to come up with a topic for the Middle East; the 2004 geographic focus.1 However, a similar process could be used for any geographic area--or any topic.

In about five minutes, by looking at my diagram, I came up with many potential topics for a potential paper on the Middle East. Because some of the topics are obviously too broad, I could generate more ideas as I refine them.

Some of the topics on the list will might not fit the course requirements. Others might have to be eliminated because he does not have sufficient time to do enough research. And others will be eliminated because of lack of interest. However, because he took the time to do the Star Diagram, he will have quality topics from which to choose.

    blue bullet used to denote item in a listHoliday celebrations in the Middle East. Halloween? Christmas? Islamic celebrations?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listHow are birthdays celebrated?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat is the role of the teacher in ___________ country? Might look at several? Compare? Focus on one?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat is is like to build a new legislative process if Afghanistan/Iraq? Differences? Similarities?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat does it mean to have an Islamic nation?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat types of agriculture are available?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat is the history of the hanging gardens?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listHow does one teach at a bombed out university?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat are the educational opportunities for women?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat types of agriculture are there?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listSpecific poet or author to study?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat about the woman who just won the Nobel Peace Prize? (No disrespect was intended, but Dr. Berg could not remember her name and during brainstorming is not the time to look things up.)
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listHanging gardens of Babylon?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat are family relations like? Marriage? Co-habitation before marriage? Same sex couples?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat are views on homosexuality?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listStudy an artist? Type of art?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listBecause there is so much history in the region, it is hard to know where to begin?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat is the fertile crescent?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhy do we have a Red Cross and a Red Crescent? Similarities? Differences? History?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat psychological impact with the December 2003 Iranian earthquake have on that country? the region?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat role are international agencies playing in the region?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat is the government run in _________ country? Pick one? Compare to United States? Pick two and compare?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listMaybe write a profile of a politician? religious leader?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat role do pets play in the culture?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listHow is alcoholism viewed? Treated? (Dr. Berg's dissertation was on Alcoholics Anonymous.)
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listIs the myth that Jews are culturally immune to addition found in Israel? AA in Israel? another country?
    blue bullet used to denote item in a listWhat are death rituals?

1The middle east has been chosen by the International Institute for their 2010 focus.


Arrow that is used to graphically demonstrate return-to.
Return to
Step 7
Arrow that is used to graphically demonstrate go-to.
Return to
Star Diagram


Steven L. Berg, PhD
Schoolcraft College
sberg@schoolcraft.edu

Teaching Home Page: http://www.stevenlberg.info
This page was last updated on 16 July 2009.