Writing a paper in Chicago style can seem daunting, especially if you're new to it. There are two main systems to choose from: Notes-Bibliography and Author-Date. Understanding these and how to apply them correctly is key to a polished, properly cited paper.
Understanding the Two Chicago Style Systems
Chicago style is flexible, offering two distinct citation methods. Your instructor or publisher will usually specify which one to use.
Notes-Bibliography System
This system is common in the humanities, like literature, history, and art. It uses footnotes or endnotes (notes) to cite sources directly in the text. A bibliography at the end lists all sources consulted.
- In-text citation: When you quote, paraphrase, or refer to information from a source, you insert a superscript number. This number corresponds to a note at the bottom of the page (footnote) or the end of the paper (endnote).
- Bibliography: This is an alphabetized list of all the sources you cited in your notes and any others you consulted.
Example:
Imagine you're writing about Shakespeare's Hamlet. You might include a note like this:
"To be, or not to be: that is the question."¹
And at the bottom of the page or end of the document:
- William Shakespeare, Hamlet, ed. Harold Jenkins (London: Arden Shakespeare, 1980), 3.2.56-57.
Author-Date System
This system is more common in the social sciences and natural sciences. It uses parenthetical citations within the text, followed by a reference list at the end.
- In-text citation: You include the author's last name and the year of publication in parentheses. If you're quoting directly, you also add the page number.
- Reference List: This is an alphabetized list of all the sources you cited in your paper.
Example:
Using the same Hamlet example:
Shakespeare's famous soliloquy asks, "To be, or not to be: that is the question" (Shakespeare 1980, 3.2.56-57).
And in your reference list:
Shakespeare, William. 1980. Hamlet. Edited by Harold Jenkins. London: Arden Shakespeare.
Key Elements of Chicago Style Formatting
Regardless of the system you choose, certain formatting rules apply to your paper.
General Formatting
- Font: Use a standard, readable font like Times New Roman, 12-point.
- Margins: Set 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Spacing: Double-space the entire paper, including notes and the bibliography/reference list.
- Title Page: Not always required, but if included, it should have your name, course name, instructor's name, and date, centered on the page.
Notes-Bibliography System Specifics
- Notes:
Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page. Endnotes appear at the end of the document. The first time you cite a source, the note includes full publication details. Subsequent citations of the same source can use a shortened form (author's last name, short title, page number) or "ibid." (if it's the immediately preceding citation). Notes are typically single-spaced within the note itself, with a space between different notes.
- Bibliography:
Starts on a new page. Titled "Bibliography" and centered. Entries are alphabetized by the author's last name. Entries are usually single-spaced with a double space between entries. * Use a hanging indent for each entry (the first line is flush left, subsequent lines are indented).
Author-Date System Specifics
- In-text Citations:
Format: (Author Last Name Year, Page Number). If the author's name is in the sentence, only the year and page number go in parentheses: (Year, Page Number). * If there are multiple authors, follow specific rules for two authors (and) or three or more (et al.).
- Reference List:
Starts on a new page. Titled "References" and centered. Entries are alphabetized by the author's last name. Similar spacing and hanging indent rules as the bibliography.
Citing Different Source Types
The specifics of your citation will change depending on the source. Here are a few common examples.
Books
- Notes-Bibliography (First Note):
1. Author Last Name, First Name. Book Title. City: Publisher, Year. Example: Smith, John. The Art of Writing*. New York: Academic Press, 2023.
- Bibliography:
Smith, John. The Art of Writing. New York: Academic Press, 2023.
- Author-Date (In-text):
(Smith 2023)
- Author-Date (Reference List):
Smith, John. 2023. The Art of Writing. New York: Academic Press.
Journal Articles
- Notes-Bibliography (First Note):
1. Author Last Name, First Name. "Article Title." Journal Title Volume, no. Issue (Year): Page numbers. Example: Davis, Emily. "The Impact of AI on Education." Journal of Modern Learning* 15, no. 2 (2022): 45-62.
- Bibliography:
Davis, Emily. "The Impact of AI on Education." Journal of Modern Learning 15, no. 2 (2022): 45-62.
- Author-Date (In-text):
(Davis 2022)
- Author-Date (Reference List):
Davis, Emily. 2022. "The Impact of AI on Education." Journal of Modern Learning 15, no. 2: 45-62.
Websites
- Notes-Bibliography (First Note):
1. Author Last Name, First Name (if available), or Organization Name. "Page Title." Website Name. Last modified Date (if available). Accessed Month Day, Year. URL. Example:* National Weather Service. "Hurricane Preparedness." NOAA. Last modified October 15, 2023. Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane.
- Bibliography:
National Weather Service. "Hurricane Preparedness." NOAA. Last modified October 15, 2023. Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane.
- Author-Date (In-text):
(National Weather Service 2023)
- Author-Date (Reference List):
National Weather Service. 2023. "Hurricane Preparedness." NOAA. Last modified October 15, 2023. Accessed December 1, 2023. https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane.
Tips for Success
- Consult the Manual: The official The Chicago Manual of Style is the ultimate authority. Keep it handy.
- Use Citation Generators Wisely: Tools can help, but always double-check their output against the manual's guidelines. Errors are common.
- Be Consistent: Whichever system you choose, apply its rules consistently throughout your paper.
- Proofread Carefully: Pay close attention to punctuation, capitalization, and the order of elements in your citations.
- Seek Help: If you're struggling with Chicago style, platforms like EssayGazebo.com offer professional writing and editing services that can ensure your citations are accurate and your paper is polished.
Mastering Chicago style takes practice. By understanding the core differences between the Notes-Bibliography and Author-Date systems and applying the formatting rules diligently, you can produce a professional and credible academic paper.