Formatting your title correctly in Turabian style is crucial for academic credibility. While seemingly minor, inconsistencies can detract from the overall professionalism of your paper. This guide will walk you through the essential aspects of Turabian title formatting, ensuring your work looks polished and adheres to the style guide's standards. We'll cover everything from title placement and capitalization to formatting variations for different paper types.
What is Turabian Style?
Before diving into title formatting, let's briefly define Turabian. The Turabian style, officially known as A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, is a widely used style guide in the humanities and social sciences. It's known for its clear and concise guidelines, providing writers with a consistent framework for their academic work. While closely related to Chicago style, Turabian offers more detailed guidance for students and researchers.
Title Placement and Formatting: The Basics
The placement and capitalization of your title depend on whether you are using the Notes-Bibliography system (Turabian 8th edition) or the Author-Date system (Turabian 9th edition). While both share similarities, subtle differences exist.
Turabian 8th Edition (Notes-Bibliography)
In the 8th edition, the title is typically centered on a separate page preceding the first page of your text. Capitalization follows title case, meaning all major words are capitalized (articles, prepositions, and conjunctions are generally lowercased unless they are the first or last word). This adds an element of visual hierarchy to your work.
Example:
The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarization in the United States
Turabian 9th Edition (Author-Date)
The 9th edition's approach is largely similar. The title remains centered on a separate title page and employs title case capitalization. The key difference often lies in the formatting of the header and footer, which might include the page number and author's name according to your specific formatting guidelines.
Example:
The Impact of Social Media on Political Polarization in the United States
Formatting Titles for Different Paper Types
The formatting can vary slightly based on the type of paper you're writing:
Research Papers
For research papers, the title usually appears on a separate title page. Remember to center the title and use title case capitalization. Additional elements like your name, course name, instructor's name, and date might be included below the title, often following specific formatting guidelines provided by your instructor.
Theses and Dissertations
Theses and dissertations often require a more formal title page, possibly including a university logo, abstract, and committee member information. The title itself typically uses title case and is positioned prominently.
Essays and Shorter Papers
For shorter papers, the title may be centered at the top of the first page, or placed before the introduction. Your instructor's specific guidelines should be followed for consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sentence case: Avoid capitalizing only the first word of your title. Title case is the standard.
- All caps: Using all capital letters is not appropriate in Turabian style.
- Inconsistent capitalization: Maintaining consistency throughout your title's capitalization is vital for a polished look.
- Incorrect placement: Pay close attention to the prescribed page for your title, ensuring it follows your institution's formatting instructions.
- Overly long titles: While descriptive, your title shouldn't be excessively long. Aim for clarity and conciseness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I format a subtitle in Turabian?
Subtitles are usually separated from the main title by a colon. Both the main title and subtitle follow title case capitalization. For example: The Impact of Social Media: A Study of Political Polarization in the United States.
Does Turabian style have specific requirements for the font and font size for titles?
While the Turabian style guide doesn't explicitly dictate a specific font, it generally recommends using a standard, readable font like Times New Roman or Arial, in a size that is easily legible (often 12pt for the main text). The title might be slightly larger but should maintain consistency with the overall formatting.
Can I use italics in my Turabian title?
Italics are generally not used in Turabian title formatting unless a specific word, such as the name of a publication or work of art requires it. Use italics sparingly and only when strictly necessary.
Where can I find more comprehensive guidance on Turabian style?
The definitive resource is the A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. Your institution's library or writing center may also offer additional resources and guidelines.
By following these guidelines and addressing common pitfalls, you can ensure your Turabian title formatting is accurate and contributes to a professional and well-organized paper. Remember, proper formatting is a key component of academic writing and demonstrates your attention to detail and adherence to scholarly standards.
