How to Cite in Chicago Author-Date Style
The Chicago Author-Date citation style is widely used in the humanities and social sciences. It is characterized by its simplicity and flexibility, allowing authors to cite sources in a straightforward manner. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to cite in Chicago Author-Date style, ensuring that your academic work adheres to the necessary guidelines.
Understanding the Basics
The Chicago Author-Date style involves two main components: in-text citations and a reference list. In-text citations provide brief information about the source within the text, while the reference list provides detailed information about each source at the end of the document.
In-Text Citations
In-text citations consist of the author’s last name and the year of publication, separated by a comma. For example, if you cite a book by Jane Doe published in 2020, the in-text citation would be written as (Doe, 2020). If you need to include the page number, simply add it after the year, like this: (Doe, 2020, p. 25).
When citing multiple sources within the same parentheses, list them alphabetically by the author’s last name. For instance, (Doe, 2020; Smith, 2019; Johnson, 2018). If you are citing a source that does not have an author, use a shortened title instead, followed by the year of publication. For example, (The Great Gatsby, 1925).
Reference List
The reference list provides detailed information about each source cited in the text. It should be formatted according to the following guidelines:
1. Start each entry with the author’s last name, followed by a comma and the first name.
2. Include the title of the source, italicized if it is a book or journal article.
3. Provide the publication date, followed by a period.
4. Include the title of the book or journal, italicized if it is a book.
5. Mention the publisher and location of publication for books.
6. For journal articles, include the volume, issue number, and page numbers.
Here is an example of a reference list entry for a book:
Doe, Jane. 2020. The Art of Storytelling. New York: Random House.
And for a journal article:
Smith, John. 2019. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.” Journal of Environmental Studies 5(2): 45-58.
Formatting Tips
When citing in Chicago Author-Date style, keep the following formatting tips in mind:
1. Use a hanging indent for the reference list, with the first line of each entry flush with the left margin and subsequent lines indented one half-inch from the margin.
2. Capitalize the first word and any proper nouns in the title of the source.
3. Use a period after each element in the in-text citation, except for the last element.
4. Ensure that the reference list is alphabetized by the author’s last name.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite sources in Chicago Author-Date style, ensuring that your academic work is both accurate and professional.
