Chicago Style Citations Study Notes

Introduction to Chicago Style Citations

  • Instructor: Professor Solma

  • Purpose: Brief introduction to Chicago style citations.

  • Assumption: Students have prior knowledge of the importance of citing sources.

Understanding Chicago Style

  • Conceptual Similarity: Chicago style is fundamentally similar to other citation styles (e.g., MLA, APA).

  • Student Perception: Students often find Chicago style intimidating despite its similarities to MLA and APA.

  • Key Point: Chicago style should not be seen as different; the only aspect that varies is the details.

  • Expertise Level: Few students are experts in MLA or APA, suggesting a similar approach should be taken with Chicago style.

Key Differences Between Chicago and Other Styles

Notes Type

  • Chicago style utilizes both footnotes and endnotes.

  • Footnotes: Located at the bottom of the page.

  • Endnotes: Located at the end of the essay; preferred in this course for formatting purposes.

  • Reason for Endnotes:

    • Modern preference in Chicago style.

    • Avoids formatting issues during the paper.

  • Bibliography: Same sources as notes but formatted differently.

Essay Structure Example

  • A three-page essay includes:

    1. Pages of writing (3 pages)

    2. Endnotes page (one or more pages)

    3. Bibliography (one or more pages)

Using Notes and Correspondence with the Essay

  • Citation Process:

    1. Write your essay and refer to a source.

    2. After your citation sentence, use a superscript number:

    • Example: Place number '1' for the first citation.

    • Number corresponds to the endnotes section where the specific source information is found.

  • First Use of Source: Use long note format for the first citation of a source.

  • Subsequent Use of the Same Source: After first citation, use short note format.

Citation Sequence

  • Example: Continuing to cite a source multiple times:

    1. First Citation (source A): Superscript '1' → long note format.

    2. Second Citation (same source A): Superscript '2' → short note format.

    3. First citation of source B: Superscript '3' → long note format.

    4. Subsequent citation of source A again: Superscript '4' → short note format.

  • Important Note: Each citation uses sequential numbering regardless of whether the same source is cited multiple times.

Importance of Planning and Attention to Detail

  • Citations: Must not be done last minute to avoid errors.

  • Advice: Start essays early to avoid pitfalls.

  • Key Details to Watch For:

    • Formatting (italics, not underlined, use of periods, commas, parentheses)

    • Different rules for bibliography versus endnotes, especially regarding author names and citation formats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Cut and Paste Issues: Do not cut and paste citations between notes and bibliography; formats are different.

  • Order of Citations:

    • Endnotes: Listed in the order cited in the essay.

    • Bibliography: Listed in alphabetical order.

Conclusion and Encouragement

  • Guidance: Utilize the guides provided by the library for citation formats.

  • Comparison for Ease: Understanding Chicago style basics will make other styles (MLA, APA) simpler to manage.

  • Final Encouragement: Reach out via email for questions.

  • Good Luck: Wishing students a great day!