Chicago Style Paper Cover Page Format: A Comprehensive Guide
The Chicago Manual of Style offers two main documentation systems: notes-bibliography and author-date. While both use a title page, the formatting differs slightly. This guide focuses on the title page format commonly used with the notes-bibliography system, as it's the more prevalent style for longer papers like theses and dissertations. The author-date style typically uses a title page, but the information presented might be slightly less extensive.
Key Elements of a Chicago Style Cover Page:
The Chicago style cover page typically includes the following elements, presented in a specific order and format:
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Paper Title: This is centered and positioned roughly one-third of the way down the page. Use a clear, concise, and descriptive title that accurately reflects your paper's content. Avoid overly long or overly short titles.
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Your Name: Centered below the title, including your full name as it should appear on your academic record.
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Your Affiliation (Optional): If required by your institution, include your academic affiliation (e.g., "A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in History," or "Department of English, University of California, Berkeley"). Center this line below your name. The specific wording might vary depending on institutional guidelines.
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Course Name and Number (Optional): This section is particularly relevant for undergraduate coursework. Center this information below your affiliation if included.
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Date: Centered below the previous elements. Use a standard date format (e.g., Month Day, Year or Month Year).
Formatting Considerations:
- Font: Use a standard, easily readable font like Times New Roman or Arial. Size 12 is usually preferred.
- Spacing: Double-space the entire page, including the title, your name, affiliation, and date.
- Page Number: Chicago style usually doesn't require a page number on the cover page. However, some institutions may have specific requirements. Consult your instructor or institutional guidelines.
- Margins: Maintain consistent one-inch margins on all sides of the page.
Example of a Chicago Style Cover Page:
(One-third down the page)
The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarization
(Below the title)
Jane Doe
(Below the name - Optional)
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Political Science
Department of Political Science, Stanford University
(Below the affiliation - Optional)
POLS 101: Introduction to Political Science
(Below course information - Optional)
December 2023
Important Note: Always check with your instructor or institution for specific requirements concerning the Chicago style cover page. These guidelines might vary slightly depending on the context and level of your academic work. Some institutions might require additional information on the cover page, while others may have stricter formatting rules. Always prioritize your institution's guidelines.
