So You Need to Cite Those Class Slides in Chicago Style? Don't Panic, It's Not Brain Surgery (Unless You're Pre-Med)
Ah, the joys of academia. You're knee-deep in research, your brain feels like a overstuffed library, and now your professor throws in a curveball: "Cite those fantastic slides I showed you in Chicago style."
Chicago? What's that, a fancy new type of hot dog?
Nope! Chicago style, my friend, is a way of formatting your references. It might seem intimidating at first, but fear not! With a little guidance (and maybe a shot of espresso), you'll be a Chicago style master in no time.
First Things First: You're Not Citing the Actual Slides (Unless You're a Real Rebel)
Hold on there, tiger. Chicago style is all about citing the source of the information, not the fancy backgrounds and clipart on those slides. Think of the slides as a fancy restaurant menu – they present the information, but you need to know where the ingredients (research) came from.
Who Made This Delicious Course of Knowledge? (Identifying the Source)
This is where the detective work begins. Is it your professor, a guest speaker, or some academic rockstar they quoted? Once you have a name, you're halfway there.
Alright, Let's Craft This Citation Like a Boss!
Here's the basic format for a Chicago style citation of a class lecture (including slides, because, well, we're all about being thorough):
- In-text citation (footnote):
- Professor Knowitall, "The Fascinating Fungus." Lecture for Mycology 101, University of Totally Real, Anytown, USA, April 1, 2024.
- Bibliography entry:
- Knowitall, Professor. 2024. "The Fascinating Fungus." Lecture for Mycology 101, University of Totally Real, Anytown, USA, April 1.
Pro tip: If your professor is feeling generous and included a list of references on the slides, use those citations instead – just make sure they're in Chicago style!
Spice it Up! (Optional Fun Facts)
- Did your professor mention a specific slide number? You can add that to your in-text citation for extra credit coolness (e.g., Professor Knowitall, "The Fascinating Fungus," slide 14).
- Was the lecture recorded? If so, you can mention that in your citation (e.g., Professor Knowitall, "The Fascinating Fungus." Lecture, recorded at University of Totally Real, April 1, 2024).
You Did It! You're a Chicago Style Citation Champion!
So there you have it! Now you can impress your professor with your newfound citation skills. Remember, Chicago style isn't about memorizing a bunch of rules – it's about giving credit where credit is due. And who knows, maybe you'll even find the whole citation thing kind of fun (or at least less scary than brain surgery).
