Citing a Dissertation: A Chicago Style Saga
So, you’ve finally finished reading that mind-boggling dissertation. You're ready to drop some knowledge in your paper, but wait! How do you cite this behemoth in the dreaded Chicago style? Fear not, intrepid researcher! We’re here to guide you through this labyrinth of footnotes and bibliographies.
The Basics: It’s All About Respect
Let's start with the fundamentals. In Chicago style, there are two main formats: Author-Date and Notes-Bibliography. For dissertations, the Notes-Bibliography style is typically used.
- Note: Think of it as a little whisper in your reader's ear, pointing them to the juicy details.
- Bibliography: This is where you give full credit to your sources. It's like the party at the end of the night where everyone gets to mingle and exchange contact information.
The Nitty-Gritty: What Goes Where?
Note Format:
- Author's last name, first name. Title of Dissertation. Dissertation type, University name, year, page number.
Example:
Smith, Jane Doe. The Impact of Unicorn Tears on Global Warming. PhD diss., Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, 2023, p. 42.
Bibliography Format:
- Author's last name, first name. Title of Dissertation. Dissertation type, University name, year.
Example:
Smith, Jane Doe. The Impact of Unicorn Tears on Global Warming. PhD diss., Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, 2023.
Tips and Tricks: Don't Stress, Just Cite
- Consistency is key: Once you pick a style, stick with it. It’s like choosing a favorite flavor of ice cream – vanilla or chocolate, pick one and enjoy!
- Double-check everything: Mistakes happen, but a careless error in your citation can be a major bummer.
- Use a citation manager: Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote can save you hours of formatting frustration.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help: Your librarian is your secret weapon. They've seen it all and are ready to lend a hand.
FAQ: How-To's for the Citation-Challenged
- How to: Cite a dissertation with multiple authors?
- Quick answer: List all authors in the same order as the source, separated by commas.
- How to: Cite a dissertation that hasn't been published?
- Quick answer: Use the "unpublished dissertation" designation in the citation.
- How to: Cite a dissertation accessed online?
- Quick answer: Include the database or URL where you found it in the citation.
- How to: Format the title of a dissertation?
- Quick answer: Italicize the title of the dissertation.
- How to: Handle long dissertation titles?
- Quick answer: Shorten the title in the note and include the full title in the bibliography.
There you have it! Citing a dissertation in Chicago style doesn't have to be a magical mystery tour. With a little guidance, you can navigate this academic obstacle course with ease. Happy citing!