Chicago Citation Style: Formatting Your Paper

Summary

This video, presented by the ASU Writing Center, covers the key aspects of formatting a paper in Chicago style. It highlights the importance of proper formatting to enhance professionalism and readability, stressing consistency throughout the paper. The video provides detailed guidance on title page layout, page numbering, and the different citation formats (Notes-Bibliography and Author-Date). It also covers how to use headings effectively, manage chapters, and cite sources with footnotes or in-text citations. For further assistance, the video encourages viewers to visit online resources like the Chicago Manual of Style website.

Takeaways

• 😀 Proper formatting enhances the professionalism of your paper and encourages positive reception from editors, reviewers, and instructors.
• 😀 In Chicago style, the title page must have specific formatting, with the title centered about one-third down the page, and other details in the upper half.
• 😀 While some style choices are flexible in Chicago style, consistency is key across your paper.
• 😀 Chicago style does not typically require details like degrees or your college on the title page, but you should check with your professor for specific requirements.
• 😀 Page numbering in Chicago style begins on the first page of the body, not the title page, and uses both Roman and Arabic numerals.
• 😀 A Chicago-style paper can have various sections, and their order may depend on the specific citation style (Notes-Bibliography vs. Author-Date).
• 😀 Chicago style allows flexibility in heading styles, but each chapter must be numbered and start on a new page.
• 😀 Headings in Chicago style should be distinct, and the use of bold or italics can help break up the paper into clear sections.
• 😀 For longer papers, including a table of contents can help guide the reader through different topics and chapters.
• 😀 Footnotes are used for citing sources in the Notes-Bibliography style, with a small number after punctuation in the sentence. Shortened citations are used in footnotes.
• 😀 The Author-Date style uses in-text citations with parentheses that appear after punctuation but before quotation marks, simplifying citation in the body of the text.

Q & A

Why is paper formatting important in Chicago style?

Paper formatting in Chicago style is important because it contributes to the professionalism of the paper, ensuring it is well-organized and easy to read. Proper formatting enhances the chances of the paper being taken seriously by editors, reviewers, and instructors.

What is the recommended position for the title on the title page in Chicago style?

In Chicago style, the title of your paper should be centered on the page, approximately one-third of the way down from the top of the page.

Do you need to include your degrees or institution on the title page in Chicago style?

Typically, Chicago style does not require your degrees or institution on the title page. However, it’s best to confirm with your professor for any specific requirements.

When do page numbers start in a Chicago style paper?

Page numbers in a Chicago style paper begin with the body of the paper, not on the title page.

What are the two citation styles in Chicago style?

The two citation styles in Chicago style are Notes and Bibliography, and Author-Date.

How should headings be formatted in a Chicago style paper?

Headings in Chicago style can be customized with bolding, italicizing, or other text styles as long as the chapters are numbered and the structure is clear. Headings should be distinct and can be used to break up the text.

What is the function of headings in Chicago style papers?

Headings are used to break up the paper into manageable sections, helping readers easily follow the organization and structure of the content.

How should new chapters be handled in Chicago style?

New chapters in Chicago style should begin on a new page. Chapter titles are typically bolded and numbered, with additional parts to the title if needed.

What is the difference between short and long footnotes in Chicago style?

Short footnotes in Chicago style typically include the author's last name, a shortened title, and the page number. Long footnotes contain more detailed citation information.

What is the correct placement for parenthetical citations in the Author-Date citation style?

In the Author-Date style, parenthetical citations should be placed after punctuation but before any quotation marks, and they typically include the author's last name and the publication year.