Style Guides: Chicago: Dressing Your History and Business Papers for Success
Imagine academic writing as a fashion show. Different fields have different styles, and Chicago style is like a classic suit – elegant and versatile, perfect for history, some business fields, and other disciplines.
What is Chicago Style?
Chicago style (also known as Turabian style) is a set of guidelines for formatting academic papers. It offers two main systems for citing sources:
- Notes-Bibliography System (NB): Footnotes or endnotes with a bibliography at the end.
- Author-Date System: Parenthetical citations within the text with a reference list at the end.
Why Do We Use Chicago Style?
Chicago style provides flexibility and consistency. It allows writers to choose the citation system that best suits their needs and ensures that readers can easily locate and verify sources.
Key Elements of Chicago Format:
- General Format (Both NB and Author-Date):
- Double-spaced throughout
- 1-inch margins on all sides
- 12-point font (Times New Roman or similar)
- Title page with title, author’s name, and institutional affiliation
- Page numbers in the header or footer
- Notes-Bibliography System (NB):
- Footnotes or endnotes at the bottom of the page or end of the paper
- Superscript numbers in the text corresponding to the notes
- Full bibliographic information in the first note, abbreviated in subsequent notes
- Bibliography at the end listing all sources alphabetically
- Author-Date System:
- Author’s last name and year of publication in parentheses in the text (e.g., (Smith 2020))
- Page number for direct quotes (e.g., (Smith 2020, 23))
- Reference list at the end with full publication information
Let’s Practice!
Choose Your Style: Decide whether you prefer the notes-bibliography or author-date system and explain why.
Format a Sample Paper: Download a sample research paper and format it according to Chicago guidelines using your chosen citation system. (You can find sample papers on Purdue OWL or other academic writing websites.)
Create Citations: Choose a book or article and write a note (NB) and an in-text citation (author-date) for it using Chicago format.
Challenge!
Write a short research paper on a historical or business topic (e.g., the impact of the Industrial Revolution on labor) and format it in Chicago style using your preferred citation system.
Remember:
- Be consistent: Use the same format throughout your paper.
- Consult the manual: Refer to The Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition) or an online guide (like Purdue OWL) for detailed instructions and examples.
- Ask for help: If you’re unsure, ask your instructor or a librarian for assistance with Chicago style.
By mastering Chicago style, you’ll be able to present your research clearly and professionally, impressing your readers and showcasing your academic skills.
