Understanding how to properly cite online resources like Wikipedia is crucial for students, academics, and anyone engaged in writing scholarly articles. The Chicago Manual of Style offers two different methods for citation: the author-date system and the notes and bibliography system. This guide will take you through the intricacies of citing Wikipedia entries using both these systems, ensuring your references are accurate and adhere to high academic standards.
Crafting Author-Date References for Wikipedia in Chicago Style
When using the author-date reference system in Chicago Style, you must include both in-text citations and a reference list at the end of your document. Citing a Wikipedia entry is somewhat atypical as these pages don’t have a designated author; instead, Wikipedia is a collaborative platform with numerous contributors. Heres how to format your citation:
In-text citation: (Wikipedia 2023)
Reference list entry: Wikipedia. 2023. “Title of the Article.” Last modified date. URL.
Example:
In-text citation: (Wikipedia 2023)
Reference list entry: Wikipedia. 2023. “Chicago Style Citation.” Last modified January 28. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_style_citation.
Structuring Wikipedia Citations with Chicago Style’s Notes and Bibliography
The Notes and Bibliography system in Chicago Style is a two-part system involving footnotes or endnotes coupled with a bibliography. When citing Wikipedia, your footnotes/endnotes and bibliography entries should look like this:
First note:
1. Wikipedia, “Chicago Style Citation,” last modified January 28, 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_style_citation.
Shortened note for subsequent citations:
2. Wikipedia, “Chicago Style.”
Bibliography entry:
Wikipedia. “Chicago Style Citation.” Last modified January 28, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_style_citation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Referencing Wikipedia Articles in Chicago Style
To reference a Wikipedia article in Chicago Style, follow these steps:
- Identify the title of the Wikipedia article you wish to cite.
- Check the Last modified date at the bottom of the Wikipedia page to get the most recent edit date.
- For the Notes and Bibliography system, create a footnote/endnote with the full citation; for the author-date system, prepare a parenthetical citation within the text.
- Add an entry into the bibliography or reference list at the end of your document, including the title of the article, “Last modified” date, and the URL of the Wikipedia page.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Chicago Style Wikipedia Citations
1. Omitting the “Last modified” date: This date indicates when the article was last updated and is crucial for credibility.
2. Incorrect URL formatting: Always include the full URL, including the “https://” protocol.
3. Forgetting to use quotation marks around the article title in the bibliography or notes.
4. Assuming Wikipedia has a single author: Wikipedia articles should be referenced as collaborative works.
Examples of Wikipedia Citations in Chicago Style for Academic Writing
Lets look at some examples to better understand how to cite Wikipedia in academic writing using the Chicago Style:
Author-Date: Wikipedia. 2023. “Critical Thinking.” Last modified January 25. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_thinking.
Note: 1. Wikipedia, “Critical Thinking,” last modified January 25, 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_thinking.
Bibliography: Wikipedia. “Critical Thinking.” Last modified January 25, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_thinking.
Tips for Ensuring Accurate Wikipedia References in Chicago Style
1. Always use the most current “Last modified” date from the Wikipedia article.
2. Double-check the URL you’ve included in your citation to ensure it leads directly to the correct article.
3. It’s considered good practice to visit the “View history” tab on a Wikipedia article to assess the stability of the content.
4. If you quote a Wikipedia entry directly, include a page number or section heading after the date in your citation (if available).
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your referencing is in line with the Chicago Manual of Style and that your academic work is both credible and professionally presented.
Download CHATMUNK for free to practice speaking in foreign languages