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Chicago Manual of Style

The Chicago Manual of Style includes 2 documentation systems:

  • Notes-Bibliography System (Notes-Bib), used by those in literature, history, and the arts, uses superscript notes in-text (1) and corresponding footnotes (at the bottom of each page) or endnotes (at the end of the document), and may use a reference list of all the sources cited in the notes at the end of the document.
  • Author-Date System, which is similar in content, slightly different in form, and preferred in the social sciences. This system uses parenthetical in-text citations, e.g. (Martinez 2023), and a corresponding reference list at the end of the document. 

What is the difference between Chicago Style and Turabian?

A Manual for writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, frequently called just "Turabian" is the student version of Chicago Style. The two are very similar with only a few slight differences aimed at students such as requiring the date of access for websites. While they are generally the same, consistency is key, and rules such as access dates should be applied evenly throughout your citations and references.

Full explanations, examples, and quick reference can be found below in the official guide, text, and guides created by other universities:

Quick Citation Guides

Full Style Manuals Online

Print Manuals in the Library

Citation Managers

Citation Managers can help you create, gather, store, and organize citations.
Create an account and get started today!

RefWorks

A subscription service for Cal State LA students, faculty, and staff.

Zotero

A free and open source program that anyone can use, therefore, you will retain access after graduation.

  • The standalone program that works with Windows, Mac, or Linux systems

  • Install the browser plug-in for Firefox, Chorme, and Safari.

  • When you download, a Microsoft Word plug-in will automatically install allowing you to easily add in-text citations and reference lists.

Quotes and Parapharasing

Researching, arguing a position, laying the foundation for scientific experiments, and all other academic pursuits begin with studying the work of others and using this work to inform our own. It is absolutely crucial to give credit to those who's work you use, and this is done using direct quotations and paraphrasing, and always citing your sources. Not to do so would be considered plagiarism. Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are treated as extremely serious violations of ethical conduct and may result in suspension or expulsion from the University.

A Quote is the exact wording used by the original author. Example:

  • "The primary reason we sentence individuals to jail or prison is to punish them for the criminal offense(s) they have committed against society." (Bayley 2009)

Paraphrasing, is rewriting another's words or ideas in your own words, often summarizing or synthesizing a larger text, while still giving the original author credit for their ideas. Example:

  • Bayley argues that prison should be thought of as a punishment, and not a deterrent for others not to commit a crime. (2009) 

Bruce Bayley, "Custody vs. Treatment Debate: Deterrence—The Two Great Lies," CorrectionsOne, July 1, 2009.

For more information view these guides on quoting and avoiding plagiarism: 

Quoting, Paraphrasing and Summarizing at Purdue OWL

Quoting and Paraphrasing at The University of Wisconsin

Quoting Materials at Plagiarism.org

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