Reading best dissertation writing services review is an essential part of academic writing, and this includes properly referencing a dissertation in Chicago style. As one of the most widely used citation styles in the fields of history and social sciences, Chicago style has specific guidelines for citing dissertations. In this article, we will discuss the steps to referencing a dissertation in Chicago style, providing you with the necessary knowledge and examples to ensure your citations are accurate and consistent. Whether you are a student or a researcher, understanding the proper citation of a dissertation in Chicago format is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your work. So, let's dive into the Chicago citation guidelines for dissertations.
A dissertation is a significant piece of research written by a student in partial fulfillment of their academic degree. It is a rigorous and in-depth study of a chosen topic, showcasing the student's understanding and mastery of the subject. As with any academic work, proper citation is essential to acknowledge the sources used and give credit to the researchers whose work has been referenced.
What is Chicago Style?
Chicago style is a citation format commonly used in history, humanities, and social sciences. Developed by the University of Chicago Press in 1906, it provides specific guidelines for citing sources and creating bibliographies. The Chicago Manual of Style, currently in its 17th edition, is the primary guide for this citation style. It offers two methods of documentation: the notes and bibliography system (used in literature, history, and arts) and the author-date system (preferred in social sciences).
Steps to Referencing a Dissertation in Chicago Style
Referencing a dissertation in Chicago style can be done using either the notes and bibliography system or the author-date system. Let us go through each method step by step.
Notes and Bibliography System
The notes and bibliography system is the traditional approach to referencing in Chicago style. In this system, footnotes or endnotes are used to cite sources within the text, while a separate bibliography lists all the sources used in alphabetical order at the end of the document.
Step 1: Collect Information
Before you start citing, make sure to gather all the necessary information about the dissertation you are referencing. This includes the author's name, title, publication date, and publication information.
- Author's Name: The name should be written in the format of Last name, First name.
- Title: The title of the dissertation should be italicized.
- Publication Date: Include the year the dissertation was completed.
- Publication Information: This includes the university or institution where the dissertation was published, and the name and location of the publisher.
For example:
| Garcia, Lucia |
| The Effects of Climate Change on Coral Reefs |
| 2019 |
| Dissertation, University of California |
Step 2: Create Footnotes/Endnotes
The first time a source is cited, a footnote or endnote should be included. In the notes, the full citation is provided, including the page number if applicable. For subsequent citations, use shortened forms. In Chicago style, there are two ways to shorten a citation:
- Using Ibid: If the same source is cited consecutively, you can use "Ibid." (short for the Latin word "ibidem," which means 'in the same place') to refer to the previous source. Do not include "Ibid." if there are other citations in between.
- Using Shortened Notes: In this method, the author's last name, a shortened version of the title (if it is more than four words), and page number (if applicable) are used. Ensure consistency in the abbreviations used.
For example, the first note for Garcia's dissertation would look like this:
1. Lucia Garcia, The Effects of Climate Change on Coral Reefs (Dissertation, University of California, 2019), 12.
If it is cited again, you can use either "Ibid." or shortened notes like this:
2. Ibid., 20.
3. Garcia, The Effects of Climate Change, 7.
Step 3: Create a Bibliography
The bibliography is a separate page that lists all the sources you have cited in your paper. It should be arranged in alphabetical order by the author's last name and include all the necessary information from step 1. In Chicago style, the bibliography entry for a dissertation would look like this:
Garcia, Lucia. The Effects of Climate Change on Coral Reefs. Dissertation. University of California, 2019.
Author-Date System
The author-date system is used mainly in the social sciences and is similar to the APA style of referencing. In this method, in-text citations are used instead of footnotes or endnotes, and a reference list is included at the end of the document.
Step 1: Collect Information
Similar to the notes and bibliography system, gather all the necessary information about the dissertation.
- Author's Name: The name should be written in the format of Last name, First name.
- Title: The title of the dissertation should be italicized.
- Publication Date: Include the year the dissertation was completed.
- Publication Information: This includes the university or institution where the dissertation was published, and the name and location of the publisher.
Step 2: Include In-Text Citations
In the author-date system, in-text citations are used to acknowledge sources. They should be included within parentheses after the information you have borrowed from the source. The format for citing a dissertation in the text is: Author's Last Name, Year of Publication, Page Number (if applicable).
For example:
(Garcia 2019, 27)
Step 3: Create a Reference List
The reference list includes all the sources cited in the paper in alphabetical order. The format for citing a dissertation in Chicago style is:
Garcia, Lucia. 2019. The Effects of Climate Change on Coral Reefs. Dissertation. University of California.
Chicago Citation Examples for Dissertations
Note: For this section, we will use the dissertation "A Study of the Effects of Social Media on Adolescent Behavior" by Emily Brown as an example. The publication date for this dissertation is 2020, and it was published by Sage Publications.
Notes and Bibliography System:
Footnote/Endnote:
1. Emily Brown, A Study of the Effects of Social Media on Adolescent Behavior (Dissertation, Sage Publications, 2020), 10.
Bibliography:
Brown, Emily. A Study of the Effects of Social Media on Adolescent Behavior. Dissertation. Sage Publications, 2020.
Author-Date System:
In-Text Citation:
(Brown 2020, 15)
Reference List:
Brown, Emily. 2020. A Study of the Effects of Social Media on Adolescent Behavior. Dissertation. Sage Publications.
Formatting a Dissertation Citation in Chicago Style
When formatting a dissertation citation in Chicago style, it is essential to follow these guidelines:
- Dissertation titles should be italicized.
- If the dissertation has not been published, include the name and location of the institution where it was presented.
- Include the year of publication for a published dissertation.
- If the dissertation is available online, include the URL or DOI.
- If there are multiple authors, list them in the same order as they appear on the title page.
- If there are no authors, start the citation with the title of the dissertation.
Chicago Manual of Style for Dissertation Citations
The Chicago Manual of Style provides detailed guidelines for citing a dissertation in both the notes and bibliography and author-date systems. If you have any further questions about citing a dissertation, it is best to consult this manual or seek help from your instructor or librarian.
Conclusion
Citing a dissertation in Chicago style can seem challenging at first, but following the steps outlined in this article will ensure that you do it correctly. Remember to gather all the necessary information and choose the right citation method for your discipline. Proper referencing not only shows your appreciation for the work of others but also enhances the credibility of your own research.
Link: How to Cite a Dissertation in Chicago Style
In conclusion, proper citation is crucial for any academic work, especially in the case of dissertations which require extensive research and analysis. The Chicago style of referencing provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for referencing sources used in a dissertation. By following the steps outlined in this article, one can ensure that their dissertation is properly cited and conforms to the standards set by the Chicago Manual of Style. Whether it is citing sources within the text, creating a bibliography, or formatting the citation, the Chicago style offers a clear and consistent approach. It is important to remember that accurate citation not only gives credit to the original authors but also adds credibility and reliability to the dissertation. By adhering to the rules set by the Chicago style, students and researchers can ensure that their dissertations are well-referenced and contribute to the scholarly conversation. With the examples and tips provided in this article, referencing a dissertation in Chicago style should no longer be a daunting task.
