Step-by-Step Guide to Citing Articles in Chicago Style - Oxbridge Editing

When writing academic papers, accurately citing your sources is crucial for maintaining integrity and clarity. The Chicago Style citation is one of the most commonly used referencing systems in academia, particularly for history, arts, and humanities subjects. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of citing articles in the Chicago reference style step by step. We’ll also provide helpful examples and tips to make the process straightforward.

What Is the Chicago Style Citation?

The Chicago style citation is a referencing format established by the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS). It offers two main citation systems:

1. Notes and Bibliography: Commonly used in humanities, such as history and literature. This format uses footnotes or endnotes along with a bibliography.
2. Author-Date: Favoured by social sciences and sciences, this format uses in-text citations paired with a reference list.

In this blog post, we will focus on citing journal articles, magazine articles, and newspaper articles in both formats.

Key Elements of a Chicago Citation

When citing an article in Chicago style, the information required generally includes:

• Author(s)
• Title of the article
• Title of the journal, magazine, or newspaper
• Volume and issue number (for journals)
• Date of publication
• Page range (if applicable)
• DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or stable URL (for online sources)

Step 1: Determine the Type of Article

Articles come in various formats, and the way you cite them may differ depending on their type. The most common categories are:

• Journal articles: Scholarly works published in academic journals.
• Magazine articles: Shorter pieces found in popular magazines.
• Newspaper articles: Articles published in print or online newspapers.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Format

1. Notes and Bibliography

This system includes:

• A full citation in the bibliography at the end of the paper.
• A shortened version in a footnote or endnote whenever the source is referenced in the text.

2. Author-Date

This system includes:

• In-text citations within parentheses.
• A corresponding full citation in a reference list.

Step 3: Chicago Style Citation Examples

Journal Articles

Notes and Bibliography Format

Footnote/Endnote:

1. Firstname Lastname, “Title of Article,” Title of Journal volume number, issue number (Year): page number, DOI or URL.

Bibliography:
Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal volume number, issue number (Year): page range. DOI or URL.

Example:

1. Thomas Peterson, “Towards an Integrative Approach to Amelia Rosselli’s Poetry.” Italian Studies, December, 1–17 (2024). doi:10.1080/00751634.2024.2431450.

Peterson, Thomas. “Towards an Integrative Approach to Amelia Rosselli’s Poetry.” Italian Studies, December (2024), 1–17. doi:10.1080/00751634.2024.2431450.

Author-Date Format

In-text citation:
(Lastname Year, page number)

Reference list:
Lastname, Firstname. Year. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal volume number, issue number: page range. DOI or URL.

Example:

(Peterson 2024, 1)

Peterson, Thomas. 2024. “Towards an Integrative Approach to Amelia Rosselli’s Poetry.” Italian Studies, December: 1–17. doi:10.1080/00751634.2024.2431450.

Magazine Articles

Notes and Bibliography Format

Footnote/Endnote:

1. Firstname Lastname, “Title of Article,” Title of Magazine, Month Day, Year, page number(s).

Bibliography:
Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Article.” Title of Magazine, Month Day, Year.

Author-Date Format

In-text citation:
(Lastname Year)

Reference list:
Lastname, Firstname. Year. “Title of Article.” Title of Magazine, Month Day.

Newspaper Articles

Notes and Bibliography Format

Footnote/Endnote:

1. Firstname Lastname, “Title of Article,” Title of Newspaper, Month Day, Year, page number(s) (if available).

Bibliography:
Lastname, Firstname. “Title of Article.” Title of Newspaper, Month Day, Year.

Author-Date Format

In-text citation:
(Lastname Year)

Reference list:
Lastname, Firstname. Year. “Title of Article.” Title of Newspaper, Month Day.

Step 4: How to Reference in Chicago Style

• Be Consistent: Stick to one Chicago style system throughout your paper unless instructed otherwise.
• Include All Necessary Details: Ensure that each citation includes the correct information, such as publication dates, volume numbers, and page ranges.
• Pay Attention to Punctuation: Chicago style has specific rules for punctuation, such as commas and italics, so follow them carefully.
• Use Citation Generators or Professional Editing Services: Online tools can help you format your citations correctly, but always double-check for accuracy. For high-stakes documents, such as dissertations, research articles, or grant proposals, consider using professional formatting and editing services. Having human experts who meticulously review your references will ensure compliance with the required citation style. 

Step 5: Formatting Your Paper

When using the Chicago format citation, your paper should include:

• A title page (if required).
• Footnotes or endnotes, or in-text citations for Author-Date.
• A bibliography or reference list at the end.

Remember to always follow your university’s specific guidelines for additional formatting requirements.

Purpose of Using Chicago Style Citation

The Chicago reference style ensures clarity, uniformity, and credibility in your academic writing. It allows readers to locate the original sources easily and demonstrates your ability to conduct thorough research. Whether you are writing a history dissertation or a social science paper, understanding how to reference in Chicago style is an essential academic skill.

Formatting your paper in Chicago style can be time-consuming, especially when managing extensive references. Our copy editing and formatting services are here to help. We ensure your citations, bibliography, and document structure meet professional standards, giving you the confidence to submit your best work. Contact us today to streamline your academic writing!