The Chicago style of citation is one of the most widely used citation styles in academic and professional writing. It provides a comprehensive guide for citing sources in research papers, theses, and other written works. In this article, we will delve into the world of Chicago style citation, exploring its intricacies and providing a step-by-step guide on how to cite sources with ease.
Introduction to Chicago Style
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) is a style guide that provides guidelines for writing, editing, and citation. It is widely used in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The Chicago style offers two main citation styles: the author-date system and the notes-bibliography system. The author-date system is commonly used in the physical sciences, while the notes-bibliography system is used in the humanities and social sciences.
Author-Date System
The author-date system is a citation style that uses parentheses to enclose the author’s last name and the year of publication. This system is commonly used in the physical sciences, such as physics, chemistry, and biology. For example, a citation for a journal article might look like this: (Smith 2020). The corresponding reference list entry would include the author’s name, title of the article, title of the journal, volume number, issue number, page numbers, and the year of publication.
| Source Type | Reference List Entry |
|---|---|
| Journal Article | Smith, John. 2020. "The Effects of Climate Change." Journal of Environmental Science 10 (2): 12-20. |
| Book | Johnson, Jane. 2019. The History of Science. New York: Random House. |
Notes-Bibliography System
The notes-bibliography system is a citation style that uses footnotes or endnotes to cite sources. This system is commonly used in the humanities and social sciences, such as history, philosophy, and literature. For example, a citation for a book might look like this: 1. The corresponding footnote or endnote would include the author’s name, title of the book, publication information, and the page numbers.
Citing Sources in Chicago Style
Citing sources in Chicago style requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the citation guidelines. Here are some general guidelines for citing common sources:
Books
When citing a book in Chicago style, you’ll need to include the author’s name, title of the book, publication information, and the year of publication. For example:
Book with one author: Johnson, Jane. The History of Science. New York: Random House, 2019.
Book with multiple authors: Smith, John, Jane Johnson, and Bob Brown. The Effects of Climate Change. New York: Random House, 2020.
Journal Articles
When citing a journal article in Chicago style, you’ll need to include the author’s name, title of the article, title of the journal, volume number, issue number, page numbers, and the year of publication. For example:
Journal article with one author: Smith, John. "The Effects of Climate Change." Journal of Environmental Science 10, no. 2 (2020): 12-20.
Journal article with multiple authors: Johnson, Jane, John Smith, and Bob Brown. "The History of Science." Journal of Science 15, no. 1 (2019): 1-10.
Websites
When citing a website in Chicago style, you’ll need to include the author’s name, title of the webpage, title of the website, publication information, and the date of access. For example:
Website with one author: Smith, John. "The Effects of Climate Change." Environmental Science, accessed February 10, 2022, https://www.environmentalscience.org.
Website with no author: "The History of Science." Science.org, accessed January 20, 2022, https://www.science.org.
Conclusion
Citing sources in Chicago style can seem daunting, but with practice and attention to detail, it becomes easier. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the Chicago style of citation. Remember to always consult the Chicago Manual of Style for specific guidance on citing unusual sources or for more detailed information on citation styles.
What is the difference between the author-date system and the notes-bibliography system?
+The author-date system uses parentheses to enclose the author’s last name and the year of publication, while the notes-bibliography system uses footnotes or endnotes to cite sources.
How do I cite a book with multiple authors in Chicago style?
+When citing a book with multiple authors, list all the authors’ names in the order they appear on the title page, separated by commas. For example: Smith, John, Jane Johnson, and Bob Brown.
What information do I need to include when citing a website in Chicago style?
+When citing a website in Chicago style, include the author’s name, title of the webpage, title of the website, publication information, and the date of access.
