Citation

Chicago Style

Chicago Style is a comprehensive citation format used primarily in history, humanities, and professional publishing. It offers two systems: Notes-Bibliography and Author-Date.

When to Use Chicago

  • History papers and research
  • Some literature and humanities courses
  • Professional publishing
  • Art history and cultural studies

Two Systems

SystemFormatBest For
Notes-BibliographyFootnotes + bibliographyHistory, arts
Author-DateParenthetical citationsSciences, social sciences

Notes-Bibliography Examples

Footnote:

  1. John Smith, "Article Title," Journal Name 45, no. 2 (2020): 123.

Bibliography: Smith, John. "Article Title." Journal Name 45, no. 2 (2020): 120-135.

Author-Date Examples

In-text: (Smith 2020, 123)

Reference: Smith, John. 2020. "Article Title." Journal Name 45 (2): 120-135.

Chicago's flexibility makes it adaptable to many disciplines.

Quick Tips

  • Check which system your instructor prefers
  • Footnotes allow for commentary, not just citations
  • Use shortened footnotes for repeated sources
  • Ibid. refers to the immediately preceding source