Sometimes it's helpful to do some background reading on a broad topic before you get specific with your thesis statement and research.
If you've chosen something from your textbook, read the chapter on that topic or that includes the topic.
The library has a wide array of subject encyclopedias and handbooks that can give you an overview of a topic, indicate important people and dates and provide a list of recommended further readings. Here are some examples:
The Princeton encyclopedia of American political history (Ref.870.03P935P), 2010
Encyclopedia of world dress and fashion (Ref.391.003En19e), 2010
Encyclopedia of comic books and graphic novels (EBSCOhost Academic Ebook Collection), 2010
Keep these things in mind about doing college level research:
This is often the hardest part of research: deciding what you want to write or speak about. If your professor doesn't assign a topic here are some tips to get you started: