Writing an Essay in Chicago Format: A Guide
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) offers two primary note-and-bibliography styles:
* Notes and Bibliography: This is the traditional Chicago style, using footnotes or endnotes to cite sources within the text and a bibliography listing all sources used.
* Author-Date: This style uses parenthetical citations in the text, similar to MLA or APA, and a reference list at the end.
This guide focuses on the Notes and Bibliography style, which is most common for humanities research.
1. Formatting Basics
* Margins: 1 inch on all sides.
* Font: Times New Roman, 12pt.
* Line Spacing: Double-spaced throughout.
* Paragraph Indentation: 1/2 inch.
* Page Numbers: Arabic numerals in the upper right corner, starting with the first page of the body text.
* Title Page: Include the title of your essay, your name, the course name, the instructor's name, and the date. The title should be centered on the page and in a larger font than the rest of the text.
* Running Head: (Optional) If your essay is longer than 10 pages, include a short title in the upper left corner of each page after the title page.
2. In-Text Citations: Footnotes or Endnotes
* Footnotes: Placed at the bottom of the page, separated by a horizontal line.
* Endnotes: Placed on a separate page at the end of the essay, labeled "Notes."
* Numbering: Citations are numbered consecutively throughout the document.
* Format:
* First Citation: Author's full name, *Title of Work* (Place of Publication: Publisher, Year), page number.
* Subsequent Citations: Author's last name, *Shortened Title*, page number.
* Multiple Authors: List all authors the first time. Subsequent citations use "et al." (e.g., Smith et al., 20).
* Direct Quotes: Use quotation marks and include the page number.
3. Bibliography
* Placement: Located on a separate page after the notes (if applicable) or the essay body.
* Heading: "Bibliography" centered at the top of the page.
* Alphabetical Order: Entries are listed alphabetically by the author's last name.
* Format:
* Books: Author's full name. *Title of Book*. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year.
* Articles: Author's full name. "Title of Article." *Journal Title* Volume Number, Issue Number (Year): page numbers.
* Websites: Author's full name (if applicable). "Title of Page or Document." Website name, accessed Date.
Example
Footnote:
1. John Smith, *The History of the United States* (New York: Penguin Books, 2008), 125.
Bibliography:
Smith, John. *The History of the United States*. New York: Penguin Books, 2008.
4. Other Tips
* Consistency: Maintain consistency throughout your essay in terms of formatting, punctuation, and capitalization.
* Accuracy: Be meticulous in citing your sources correctly. Double-check all information.
* Clarity: Write in a clear, concise, and grammatically correct style.
* Quoting: Use quotes sparingly and only when necessary.
* Paraphrasing: Paraphrase effectively to avoid plagiarism.
5. Resources
* The Chicago Manual of Style: The definitive guide to Chicago format.
* Online Guides: Many websites offer helpful guides and examples.
* Professors and TAs: Consult with your instructors for specific requirements.
By following these guidelines, you can produce a well-formatted and well-cited essay in Chicago style. Remember, using proper citation practices not only showcases your academic integrity but also allows readers to easily access and verify your sources.