Skip to Main Content

Writing In the Disciplines

Arts & Humanities

The Chicago Manual of Style  presents two basic documentation systems: (1) notes and bibliography and (2) author-date. Choosing between the two often depends on subject matter and the nature of sources cited, as each system is favored by different groups of scholars.

The notes and bibliography style is preferred by many in the humanities, including those in literature, history, and the arts. This style presents bibliographic information in notes and, often, a bibliography. It accommodates a variety of sources, including esoteric ones less appropriate to the author-date system.

Library books:

Government and Law

These books and web sites listed below will help you format government and legal citations.

Library book:

Natural Sciences and Health

The Council of Science Editors - CSE - is the primary authority for biology and other natural sciences formatting style. Scientific Style and Format is the most recognized, authoritative reference for authors, editors, publishers, students, and translators in all areas of science and related fields.

Library book:

Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology

The American Chemical Society is the format and style authority for chemistry. However, each journal may ask for papers to have a different format.

Engineering societies often use the Chicago style but check each association for variations.

The American Mathematics Association has a style fo rtheir publications.  However check for information for authors within the target journal of your interest.

Library book:

Social Sciences

The social sciencse usually follow the format of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.

Library books:

  • Style guide / American Sociological Association  ref HM 569 .A54 2007
  • APA Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed. 1st floor, User Services BF 76.7 P83 2010

Last Updated: Sep 6, 2023 10:46 AM