Citing Titles and Subtitles in College Essays: APA Style Guidelines
When writing a college essay, it is essential to follow proper formatting guidelines to make sure your work is professional and adheres to academic standards. One of the most recognized and used citation styles is American Psychological Association (APA) style. This article will guide you on how to cite a title and subtitle in APA style, covering books, journal articles, and in-text citations.
Citing Books with Titles and Subtitles
When citing a book with a title and subtitle in APA style, the format requires the use of italics for both the title and subtitle. Each word in the title and subtitle should start with a capital letter except for articles, conjunctions, or prepositions (those shorter than five letters), unless they are the first word of the title or subtitle.
Example:
Smith, J. (2020). Understanding Psychology: A Comprehensive Guide to the Human Mind.
The format for a book with a subtitle follows a similar structure to that of a book without a subtitle:
Example:
Ahmed, S. (2012). On Being Included: Racism and Diversity in Institutional Life. Duke University Press.
Citing Journal Articles with Titles and Subtitles
For journal articles, the APA style guidelines specify that only the first word of the title and any proper nouns should be capitalized. The journal name must be italicized and written in title case, meaning that the first letter of each significant word should be capitalized.
Example:
Johnson, A. (2021). The Effects of Sleep on Learning: A Review of Recent Studies. Journal of Educational Psychology, 113(2), 123-134.
The in-text citation for a journal article includes the author's last name and the year of publication:
Johnson 2021
Specifics and Variations
Although the general guidelines for APA style are standardized, it is essential to consult your instructor or the APA Manual for specific requirements, as there can be variations in formatting based on the teacher's instructions or specific academic requirements.
It is recommended to refer to reliable resources like the Online Writing Lab at Purdue University for detailed and up-to-date information on APA style.
Conclusion
Proper citing of titles and subtitles in APA style is crucial for both books and journal articles in college essays. By familiarizing yourself with these guidelines, you can ensure that your work adheres to academic standards and is effectively communicated to your audience. Remember to always consult the APA Manual or a trusted online resource like the Purdue OWL for specific details and any variations in your particular requirements.