Citation styles for political science vary throughout the discipline. A few common styles are listed on this page, but always check with your professor to find out which style you should use for your course. If you are preparing your paper for publication, check the style requirements of the journal.
In the social sciences, the author-date system from the Chicago Manual of Style is often used. In the author-date system, in-text citations are indicated through the use of parentheses, and include the author's last name and date of publication. Some publications and professors prefer the notes-bibliography system - check with your professor or publication before selecting a style.
Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Research Papers is compatible with the Chicago Manual of Style, and is geared more toward research papers instead of publication.
The Library keeps copies of all major style guides at the reference desk for in-library use.
The Chicago Manual of Style
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association