Understanding the Chicago Manual of Style
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) is widely recognized in the fields of literature, history, and the arts. It offers two main citation systems:
1. Notes and Bibliography: Commonly used in the humanities, this system employs footnotes or endnotes for citations along with a bibliography at the end of the document.
2. Author-Date: More frequently used in the sciences and social sciences, this system utilizes in-text citations that correspond to a reference list.
Both systems are designed to provide clear attribution for sources and to aid readers in locating original materials.
Notes and Bibliography Style
The Notes and Bibliography system is characterized by its use of footnotes or endnotes for detailed citations, making it especially popular among scholars and students in the humanities. Below is a detailed guide on how to use this citation style effectively.
Citing Books
When citing books in the Notes and Bibliography style, the following format is used:
- Footnote or Endnote:
- First Note: Author First Name Last Name, Title of Book (Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication), page number.
- Subsequent Notes: Author Last Name, Shortened Title, page number.
- Bibliography Entry:
- Author Last Name, Author First Name. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication.
Example:
- Footnote: 1. John Smith, The Art of Writing (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2018), 45.
- Bibliography: Smith, John. The Art of Writing. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2018.
Citing Journal Articles
When citing journal articles, the format is slightly different:
- Footnote or Endnote:
- First Note: Author First Name Last Name, “Title of Article,” Title of Journal volume number, no. issue number (Year of Publication): page number.
- Subsequent Notes: Author Last Name, “Shortened Title,” page number.
- Bibliography Entry:
- Author Last Name, Author First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal volume number, no. issue number (Year of Publication): page range.
Example:
- Footnote: 2. Jane Doe, “Exploring the Unknown,” Journal of Curious Studies 10, no. 2 (2019): 123.
- Bibliography: Doe, Jane. “Exploring the Unknown.” Journal of Curious Studies 10, no. 2 (2019): 120-135.
Citing Websites
For online sources, the following guidelines should be adhered to:
- Footnote or Endnote:
- Author First Name Last Name, “Title of Webpage,” Website Name, last modified or accessed Month Day, Year, URL.
- Bibliography Entry:
- Author Last Name, Author First Name. “Title of Webpage.” Website Name. Last modified or accessed Month Day, Year. URL.
Example:
- Footnote: 3. Emily Johnson, “The Future of Technology,” Tech Insights, accessed October 10, 2023, http://www.techinsights.com/future-of-technology.
- Bibliography: Johnson, Emily. “The Future of Technology.” Tech Insights. Accessed October 10, 2023. http://www.techinsights.com/future-of-technology.
Author-Date Style
The Author-Date citation system favors brevity and clarity, making it an excellent choice for research papers in the sciences and social sciences. This system uses in-text citations along with a reference list at the end of the document.
Citing Books
When citing books in the Author-Date style, follow this format:
- In-Text Citation:
- (Author Last Name Year of Publication, page number).
- Reference List Entry:
- Author Last Name, Author First Name. Year of Publication. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher.
Example:
- In-Text Citation: (Smith 2018, 45).
- Reference List: Smith, John. 2018. The Art of Writing. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Citing Journal Articles
For journal articles, the format is as follows:
- In-Text Citation:
- (Author Last Name Year of Publication, page number).
- Reference List Entry:
- Author Last Name, Author First Name. Year of Publication. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal volume number (issue number): page range.
Example:
- In-Text Citation: (Doe 2019, 123).
- Reference List: Doe, Jane. 2019. “Exploring the Unknown.” Journal of Curious Studies 10 (2): 120-135.
Citing Websites
When referencing online sources:
- In-Text Citation:
- (Author Last Name Year, Month Day).
- Reference List Entry:
- Author Last Name, Author First Name. Year. “Title of Webpage.” Website Name. Last modified or accessed Month Day, Year. URL.
Example:
- In-Text Citation: (Johnson 2023, October 10).
- Reference List: Johnson, Emily. 2023. “The Future of Technology.” Tech Insights. Accessed October 10, 2023. http://www.techinsights.com/future-of-technology.
General Guidelines for Citations
Regardless of the citation style employed, there are several overarching principles to keep in mind:
- Consistency: Ensure that the same citation style is used throughout the document.
- Punctuation: Pay careful attention to punctuation, as it can change the meaning of the citation.
- Capitalization: Follow specific rules for capitalizing titles, as different citation types may have different requirements.
- Author Name Order: In the bibliography or reference list, arrange authors alphabetically by last name.
- Multiple Works by the Same Author: When citing multiple works by the same author, arrange them chronologically and use a 3-em dash for subsequent entries.
Conclusion
The Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition provides a comprehensive framework for citation that enhances academic integrity and enables readers to locate sources efficiently. Whether opting for the Notes and Bibliography or Author-Date style, understanding the nuances of citation formats is crucial for any writer or researcher. With its emphasis on clarity, consistency, and proper attribution, the 17th edition remains an invaluable resource for anyone engaged in scholarly work. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, individuals can effectively navigate the complexities of citation and contribute to the ongoing dialogue within their respective fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between the notes and bibliography system and the author-date system in the Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition?
The notes and bibliography system is often used in the humanities, providing detailed citations in footnotes or endnotes along with a bibliography, while the author-date system is used in the sciences and social sciences, featuring in-text citations with a reference list at the end.
How do you cite a book with multiple authors in the Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition?
For a book with two authors, list both names in the order they appear on the title page, separated by 'and.' For three or more authors, list the first author's name followed by 'et al.' in both the notes and bibliography.
What is the correct format for citing an online journal article in the Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition?
In the notes, include the author's name, article title in quotation marks, journal title in italics, volume number, issue number, publication date, page range, and URL or DOI. In the bibliography, format it similarly but adjust the order slightly.
How should I format a citation for a website using the Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition?
Cite a website by including the author's name (if available), the title of the webpage in quotation marks, the name of the website in italics, the publication date (if available), and the URL. For footnotes, you can also include the access date if the content is subject to change.
What guidelines does the Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition provide for citing government documents?
Cite government documents by including the name of the government agency as the author, the title of the document in italics, the publication information, and the URL if accessed online. Specific guidelines may vary based on the type of document and its format.
How do I create a bibliography entry for a translated book in the Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition?
For a translated book, cite the original author, the title of the book in italics, the translator's name, the publication city, publisher, publication year, and the format. The translator's name should be included after 'Translated by' in the citation.
