This module of the tutorial explains how to correctly cite (reference) the sources you have used in your research and how to compile a thorough, well-structured bibliography. These skills are essential to successful research, whether you are writing an essay or a PhD thesis it is vital that you do not plagiarise the work of other writers.

This module will help you to:

  • correctly cite the sources you have consulted, whatever their format
  • understand the most widely-used different systems of citation
  • compile a well-structured bibliography
  • effectively utilise the software available to help with referencing and bibliography

During your studies at Union you will need to adopt academic conventions of writing, including referencing your sources, whether you directly quote them or refer to them.

This Union Style Sheet:

 

  1. a)summarises the relevant style requirements for footnote and bibliography references,
  2. b) outlines page set-up requirements, and
  3. c) gives information about a free program which will manage much of the necessary bibliographic formatting.

 

This „Style Sheet‟ complements and expands on the information given in the sessions on referencing during the induction week to your programme.

In essence, all assessments submitted at WEST should use footnote and bibliography references which conform with the author-title system in The SBL Handbook of Style (SBLHS).  Note: all references below include chapter/section references from this book.  [Patrick H. Alexander et al., eds., The SBL Handbook of Style: For Ancient Near Eastern, Biblical, and Early Christian Studies (Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson, 1999).]   

Note that there is also a useful Student Supplement to the SBL Handbook of Style 2nd editionavailable on-line: 

Student Supplement for The SBL Handbook of Style

Part 1 of the document is particularly helpful. Ignore Parts 2 and 3! uses the . If in doubt, consult your academic tutor or supervisor.

It should take you approximately 30 minutes to work through the whole of this module.