Theatre

What is MLA Style?

Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used by disciplines in the humanities such as English & Philosophy.

The information contained in this guide is from the MLA Handbook, 9th Edition REF LB2369 .M52 2021. Consider checking out a copy next time you are in the library! Multiple copies of this book are kept behind the Information Desk and are available for use in the library. This guide cites the handbook throughout.

Why use citations for your research paper?

Official style standards help writers to demonstrate competence, establish credibility, clarify which ideas are original and which are not, and give others a “comprehensible, verifiable means of referring to one another's work” (Handbook 95-96).

To make sure your citations are complete, you need to pay attention to two aspects of MLA style: In-text citations and the works cited list.

When to cite
To avoid plagiarism, “when the work of others informs your ideas, give credit by summarizing or paraphrasing that work or by accurately quoting it—and always cite your source” (98). Exceptions to this include common knowledge, passing mentions, and allusions (101-2).

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