The Chicago style of citation, also known as the Chicago Manual of Style, is widely used in academic writing, particularly in the humanities. Knowing how to properly cite sources in Chicago style is crucial for avoiding plagiarism and giving credit where it's due. This guide will walk you through the essentials, covering both notes-bibliography and author-date systems.
Understanding the Two Main Chicago Citation Styles
The Chicago Manual of Style offers two primary citation systems:
- Notes-Bibliography: This system uses footnotes or endnotes to cite sources within the text, with a full bibliography included at the end of the document. This is the more traditional approach and is often preferred for humanities disciplines.
- Author-Date: This system uses parenthetical citations within the text, including the author's last name and publication year. A reference list is placed at the end, similar to the bibliography in the notes-bibliography system. This style is more concise and is frequently used in the social sciences.
Chicago Style Notes-Bibliography: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let's delve into the notes-bibliography system, detailing how to create footnotes/endnotes and the accompanying bibliography.
Creating Footnotes/Endnotes
Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page, while endnotes are collected at the end of the document. Both serve the same purpose: to provide source information for a specific piece of information in your text.
Here's the general format for a footnote/endnote:
- Author's Last Name, Title of Work (Place of Publication: Publisher, Year), Page Number.
Example:
The impact of the French Revolution is widely debated.¹
¹. John Merriman, A History of Modern Europe (New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2019), 275.
Constructing Your Bibliography
The bibliography, located at the end of your paper, provides complete bibliographic information for each source cited. The format varies slightly depending on the source type (book, journal article, website, etc.). Here are a few common examples:
Book:
- Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Work. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year.
Journal Article:
- Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal Volume Number, Issue Number (Year): Page Numbers.
Website:
- Author's Name (or Website Name). "Title of Page." Website Name, URL, Access Date.
Example Bibliography:
Merriman, John. A History of Modern Europe. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2019.
Chicago Style Author-Date: A Concise Approach
The author-date system is more streamlined. Citations within the text appear as (Author's Last Name, Year, Page Number). A reference list at the end provides complete source details.
Example in-text citation: (Merriman, 2019, 275)
Corresponding entry in the Reference List:
Merriman, John. 2019. A History of Modern Europe. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
Essential Tips for Success with Chicago Style
- Consistency is Key: Maintain a consistent style throughout your paper.
- Accuracy is Paramount: Double-check all information to ensure accuracy.
- Use a Style Guide: Refer to the official Chicago Manual of Style for the most up-to-date guidelines and detailed examples. Many online resources also offer helpful summaries and examples.
- Seek Clarification: If you're unsure about a specific citation, consult a style guide or seek guidance from a librarian or writing center.
Mastering Chicago style citation takes practice, but with consistent effort and attention to detail, you'll be able to effectively and accurately cite your sources. Remember to always prioritize accuracy and adhere to the specific guidelines provided by your institution or instructor.
