MLA vs Chicago: Choosing the Right Style for Humanities
MLA and Chicago are the two dominant citation styles in humanities research. While both are widely used in arts, literature, and history, they have distinct approaches to documentation. This guide helps you understand when to use each style and how they differ.
Quick Comparison: When to Use Each
MLA Style
- ✓ Literature and language studies
- ✓ Undergraduate humanities papers
- ✓ Simpler, streamlined format
- ✓ Page-number focused
- ✓ Works cited list
- ✓ Modern Language Association
Chicago Style
- ✓ History and art history
- ✓ Graduate research and books
- ✓ More detailed documentation
- ✓ Flexible citation options
- ✓ Bibliography (or reference list)
- ✓ University of Chicago Press
Understanding the Core Differences
Citation Approach
The most fundamental difference lies in how citations appear:
- MLA: Uses brief parenthetical citations with author and page number: (Smith 45)
- Chicago: Typically uses numbered footnotes or endnotes with full citation details
MLA In-Text Citation:
As Shakespeare wrote, "To be or not to be" (Hamlet 3.1.56).
Chicago Footnote:
As Shakespeare wrote, "To be or not to be."1
1. William Shakespeare, Hamlet, ed. Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine (New York: Folger Shakespeare Library, 2003), 3.1.56.
Key Differences Between MLA and Chicago
1. Citation Format Comparison
| Feature | MLA 9th Edition | Chicago 17th Edition (NB) |
|---|---|---|
| In-text format | Parenthetical (Author Page) | Superscript footnote numbers |
| Example | (Morrison 23) | 1 |
| End list title | Works Cited | Bibliography |
| Author format | Last, First Middle | Last, First Middle |
| Date placement | End of citation | After publisher |
| Publisher location | Not required | Required |
2. Works Cited vs Bibliography
The end-of-paper list differs in both name and content:
- MLA Works Cited: Contains only sources directly cited in your paper
- Chicago Bibliography: May include sources consulted but not directly cited, providing broader context
3. Formatting Details
| Element | MLA | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Title capitalization | Title Case for All Sources | Title Case for Books and Journals |
| Container concept | Yes (uses flexible container system for parts within wholes) | No (traditional format for each source type) |
| URL/DOI | Include if source found online | Include DOI when available, URL for online sources |
| Access dates | Optional (only if no publication date) | Generally not required |
| Publisher abbreviation | Abbreviated (e.g., "UP" for University Press) | Full name |
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | MLA | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Current edition | 9th (2021) | 17th (2017) |
| Primary fields | Literature, languages, cultural studies | History, art history, music, theology |
| Citation flexibility | Streamlined, universal approach | Highly detailed, many variations |
| Learning curve | Easier for beginners | Steeper, more complex rules |
| Page header | Last name and page number (right) | Varies (often no header for student papers) |
| First page heading | Student name, instructor, course, date (top left), then title | Title page often separate |
Example: Same Book in Both Styles
Single-Author Book
MLA Works Cited:
Morrison, Toni. Beloved. Vintage Books, 2004.
In-text:
(Morrison 23)
Chicago Bibliography:
Morrison, Toni. Beloved. New York: Vintage Books, 2004.
Footnote (first reference):
1. Toni Morrison, Beloved (New York: Vintage Books, 2004), 23.
Footnote (subsequent):
2. Morrison, Beloved, 45.
Journal Article
MLA Works Cited:
Butler, Judith. "Performative Acts and Gender Constitution: An Essay in Phenomenology and Feminist Theory." Theatre Journal, vol. 40, no. 4, 1988, pp. 519-31, doi:10.2307/3207893.
In-text:
(Butler 520-21)
Chicago Bibliography:
Butler, Judith. "Performative Acts and Gender Constitution: An Essay in Phenomenology and Feminist Theory." Theatre Journal 40, no. 4 (1988): 519-31. https://doi.org/10.2307/3207893.
Footnote:
1. Judith Butler, "Performative Acts and Gender Constitution: An Essay in Phenomenology and Feminist Theory," Theatre Journal 40, no. 4 (1988): 520-21, https://doi.org/10.2307/3207893.
When to Use MLA vs Chicago
Use MLA When:
- Studying literature: MLA is the standard for literary analysis and criticism
- Language courses: Foreign language, linguistics, and composition courses typically use MLA
- Undergraduate humanities: Most first-year and undergraduate humanities courses prefer MLA
- Cultural studies: Film studies, media studies, and cultural criticism often use MLA
- Publishing in MLA journals: Journals affiliated with the Modern Language Association
- You need simplicity: MLA's streamlined approach is easier for basic citations
Use Chicago When:
- Historical research: History papers and theses almost always use Chicago
- Art history: Chicago is standard for art historical analysis and museum studies
- Graduate work: Many humanities graduate programs prefer Chicago's detailed format
- Publishing books: Academic publishers often prefer Chicago for scholarly monographs
- Religious studies: Theology and biblical studies typically use Chicago
- Archival research: Chicago handles primary sources and manuscripts better
- Music scholarship: Musicology and music history papers use Chicago
MLA's Container System vs Chicago's Traditional Format
One of the most significant differences is MLA's innovative "container" concept:
MLA Container System
MLA 9 introduced a flexible template that treats any source as potentially being contained within another source. This makes citing complex digital sources easier.
Example - Article in Database:
Author. "Article Title." Journal Title, vol. #, no. #, year, pp. #-#. Database Name, DOI or URL.
Chicago Traditional Format
Chicago uses specific formats for different source types, with detailed rules for each situation.
Special Source Types
Primary Sources and Archives
Chicago excels here. It provides extensive guidance for manuscripts, letters, archives, and historical documents. If your research involves substantial primary source work, Chicago is usually the better choice.
Multiple Editions and Reprints
Both styles handle reprints, but differently:
- MLA: Original publication date can be included at the end
- Chicago: Original date included in publication information
Classical and Medieval Works
Both styles have conventions for citing classical texts, but Chicago provides more detailed guidance for ancient and medieval sources.
Practical Considerations
Learning Curve
MLA is generally easier to learn. Its streamlined approach and universal template make it more accessible for students new to academic citation.
Chicago requires more investment. The choice between notes-bibliography and author-date, plus more detailed rules, means a steeper learning curve.
Citation Management Software
Both styles are well-supported by tools like Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote. However, Chicago's footnote system can be trickier to manage in word processors.
Interdisciplinary Work
If your research crosses disciplines, consider which style is more common in your primary field or target journal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using MLA parenthetical citations with Chicago: If using Chicago notes-bibliography, don't add parenthetical citations
- Forgetting publisher location in Chicago: Chicago requires city of publication; MLA does not
- Inconsistent abbreviations: MLA abbreviates publishers; Chicago does not
- Wrong capitalization: Both use title case, but apply it differently
- Mixing bibliography and works cited: Use the correct terminology for each style
Frequently Asked Questions
Which style is more common in humanities?
Both are extremely common, but they dominate different areas. MLA is more prevalent in literature and languages, while Chicago is more common in history and arts.
Can I use Chicago author-date instead of notes?
Chicago author-date is rarely used in humanities. It's primarily for sciences and social sciences. For humanities work, use Chicago notes-bibliography.
Is MLA 9 very different from MLA 8?
MLA 9 made only minor updates. The container system from MLA 8 remains the foundation. If you learned MLA 8, the transition is easy.
Do I need ibid. in Chicago footnotes?
Chicago 17 allows but doesn't require "ibid." for consecutive citations. You can use shortened citations instead, which many find clearer.
Which style is better for digital sources?
MLA's container system makes it slightly easier for complex digital sources. Both styles, however, provide good guidance for online materials.
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