Are colleges still using the MLA handbook for teaching citations, etc.?

[Michelle in MO]

I used it years ago when I was in college, but I'm wondering if it's still used; or, if the MLA handbook was more peculiar to my college but if other formats are used elsewhere?

I have a Barnes & Noble gift card that I'd like to use (cash in hand!) and was thinking of ordering an updated version for my dd's, so I can make sure they learn proper notation techniques. Plus, I wanted to order Plaid Dad's recommendation for Churchill's History of the English-Speaking People and, since there's so much discussion going on about Jane Austen, perhaps an annotated edition of Pride & Prejudice or Emma.

Any thoughts? :D

[kathleen]

That's what nearly all of my son's professors in both his undergrad and graduate experiences use. One professor at UD used the one with footnotes, but everyone else has used MLA.

[Michelle in MO]

I have an ancient version of the MLA handbook, but really feel a need to get an updated version. My middle daughter was having fits one day a couple of weeks ago because I made her look at my MLA book and properly document her source. She said, "It doesn't matter, Mom!" I told her that it most certainly did!

Thanks! I'm off to place my order! :D

[Laura K (NC)]

and a paper was required of all but one of them. The professors said either to use MLA, or to use a format like MLA. I've never been required to write in any other format.

There are many free MLA guides on the internet, but I like having the resource on the shelf. It's more than just formatting... it includes a lot of standard abbreviations, the definition of plagiarism, and other helps for writing and researching. I assigned my 14yo son a 5 page research paper and he was just asking me about formatting today, and I pulled the book off the shelf for him.

[Michelle in MO]

when I was in college. It sat next to my typewriter (yes, a typewriter!) whenever I had to do a paper. I also like having the book version, along with the ability to just pull it off the shelf and look up a reference.

Thanks!

[Katia]

In all of my dh's Master level classes these last two years, he has been required to use APA. No MLA. Guess it depends on the professor or the school?

I'm trying to get my dc exposed to both. Also, the formatting and regulations for both of these change on a regular basis from what I understand. The 'best' source is not a book, but the web-site for both, which has the most current updates available.

[Tressa]

My hubby is finishing his BA in English, and he says that he uses MLA. He said that he did use the APA a few times, but mostly for History. I bet it depends on the professor.

[Samuel]

Literature and related fields tend to use MLA.
Psychology and some other social sciences tend to use ASA
Political Science & History tend to use Chicago/Turabian
Many large scale research papers require Chicago type footnotes.

The most important skill to take home is the ability to understand different styles. I would have a student use both MLA and Chicago/Taurabian footnotes in teaching them research methods.

[Michelle in MO]

Chicago style, but had not heard of APA. I guess it does depend on the professor and also the school and the student's major. My dd's are more likely to be humanities majors, so I went ahead and bought updated copies of the MLA book.

Thanks for the great help, though, because one never knows!

[Susan in IL]

At ds's college, the writing center gives out MLA format guides.

[Amy in NH]

I've had to use APA for every graduate course I have taken, and for any undergrad courses I've had in the past 5 years. Go figure!