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ENG 201: Research in the Disciplines fall 2022 Calhoun

Why is Citing Sources so Complicated?

There are many different citation styles, but most students need to learn to follow the conventions of only MLA or APA.  Style guides are about more than just citing sources of information or ideas. Guides can help you improve the style of your writing, for example.

Any citation you provide should enable your reader to find that source.

It's a good idea to purchase a copy of the style guide that your major or graduate program follows: MLA for the humanities and APA for the social sciences and psychology. In this class, you'll be following the MLA Style.

MLA BOOKS and WEB RESOURCES

MLA style is used mostly by students of the humanities, particularly English, comparative literature, and the performing arts. MLA puts out two publications, each of which cover more or less the same material, but with slightly different emphases. The MLA Style Manual is geared more towards graduate students and facultyThe MLA Handbook, more well known, is usually the choice for undergraduates.

Did You Know?

Most of the major style guides can be found at Pace University's Campus Libraries. Information you need to locate the books (call numbers and locations) can be found here. Ask at the circulation or reference desk if you're having trouble finding a book.