Documentation

Each discipline follows a specific writing “style.” By sticking to the correct style, you help your reader navigate your writing. Each style has clear rules that govern such things as

• page format

• identification of sources

• tense and point-of-view

Each style has its own handbook which are revised regularly, often in response to technology advances. The ASC has copies of these handbooks for reference. If you prefer to use an online resource, the Purdue OWL is good.

MLA (Modern Language Association)

      MLA style is used most often in the liberal arts and humanities.

APA (American Psychological Association)

    APA style (and ASA) is used most often in the social sciences.

ASA (American Sociological Association)

    ASA style is used in sociology.

CMS (Chicago Manual of Style)

   CMS style is used most often in scholarly writing in history and art history.