Before moving on to "Getting Started," which points you to Communication Studies Databases, let's start with searching for resources on the Library Catalog page.
Type your research topic keywords (also known as a search query) into the Library Catalog search box. For this example I've used "rhetorical analysis."
Below: Note how "rhetorical analysis" came up with too many results. Who has time for nearly 50,000 items?!
To alleviate this: Refine your search - this is a great way of sifting down your research to items that are applicable to your goals!
Below, on the left: note the items I've highlighted in the red box. Particularly useful for you: you can narrow down your results by medium (physical library or online items, peer reviewed, etc.), publication date ranges, subjects.
For your topics I would suggest the following refining settings:
Availability: Peer-reviewed Journals
Publication Date: 2020-2026
Resource Type: Articles
Subject: Communication
*You can "lock" these settings so that you don't have to re-set them as you modify your search queries each time: select the "Remember all filters" option!
As you can see, with the refined results, we have 742 results, which is much more manageable than ~50K. The results will get even smaller, as you specify your individual topics of interest!
Are you more of a visual/audible learner? You might find these video guides helpful!
Pro tip if you're strapped for time: click the gear icon at the bottom left of the video screen to "speed up" the playback speed in each video!