Writing a research paper can be a daunting task, especially when following a specific style guide. Turabian style, a simplified version of Chicago style, is commonly used in history and humanities papers. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed explanation and a Research Paper Turabian Style Example to help you navigate the intricacies of this formatting style.
Understanding Turabian Style
Turabian style emphasizes clarity, conciseness, and meticulous attention to detail. It utilizes two main methods for citing sources:
1. Notes and Bibliography System:
This system, favored in history and humanities disciplines, uses footnotes or endnotes to cite sources with a corresponding bibliography at the end.
2. Author-Date System:
Predominantly used in social sciences, this system uses parenthetical citations within the text and a corresponding reference list at the end.
Key Elements of Turabian Style Formatting
1. General Format:
- Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt.
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides
- Spacing: Double-spaced throughout, including block quotes and bibliography entries.
- Indentation: Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches.
- Page Numbers: Place page numbers in the upper right-hand corner of each page, starting with the first page of your text.
2. Title Page:
- Title: Centered, uppercase and lowercase
- Your Name: Centered, below the title
- Course Name and Number: Centered, below your name
- Instructor’s Name: Centered, below the course information
- Date: Centered, below the instructor’s name
3. Headings:
Turabian style utilizes a specific hierarchy for headings:
- Level 1: Centered, Boldface
- Level 2: Flush Left, Boldface
- Level 3: Flush Left, Italicized
- Level 4: Flush Left, Regular Font, Underlined
4. Footnotes and Endnotes:
- Numbering: Use superscript numbers in the text to indicate footnotes or endnotes.
- Placement: Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page, while endnotes appear at the end of the paper before the bibliography.
- Format: Single-spaced, with a hanging indent for the second and subsequent lines.
Research Paper Turabian Style Example: Notes and Bibliography System
To illustrate the application of Turabian style, let’s delve into a research paper Turabian style example using the notes and bibliography system.
Title Page:
The Impact of the Printing Press on the Renaissance
Jane Doe
History 101: European History
Professor Smith
October 26, 2023
Body Paragraph Example:
The invention of the printing press in the 15th century revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge and ideas. As Eisenstein argues, the printing press “created a new era in the history of communication.”¹ Its impact extended beyond the realm of scholarship, influencing art, religion, and politics.²
Footnotes:
¹ Elizabeth L. Eisenstein, The Printing Press as an Agent of Change (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1979), 15.
² For a comprehensive analysis of the printing press’s influence on various aspects of Renaissance society, see Marshall McLuhan, The Gutenberg Galaxy: The Making of Typographic Man (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1962).
Research Paper Turabian Style Example: Author-Date System
Now, let’s explore a research paper Turabian style example using the author-date system.
Body Paragraph Example:
The printing press, invented in the 15th century, had a profound impact on the Renaissance (Eisenstein 1979). Its ability to mass-produce texts facilitated the spread of knowledge, influencing various aspects of society, including art, religion, and politics (McLuhan 1962).
Reference List Entry:
Eisenstein, Elizabeth L. 1979. The Printing Press as an Agent of Change. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Conclusion
Mastering Turabian style is crucial for academic success in history and humanities disciplines. This guide, along with the research paper Turabian style examples, provides a solid foundation for understanding and applying this formatting style. Remember to consult the official Turabian Manual for Writers for detailed guidance on specific citation scenarios.