Teevin Fournier
Chicago Manual of Style: 18th Edition
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) released the 18th edition of their citation guidelines in September. Although CMOS is not used as extensively as APA at Northwestern Polytechnic, it is the preferred citation style of courses such as Art History and Political Science.
Important updates to the 18th edition
Some of the updates to CMOS worth noting are:
- New guidelines for citing Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers. (Section 14.136)
- New recommendation to spell out the name of the author of multiple works in the bibliography rather than use “ ---”. (Sections 13.72 and 13.73)
- A shorted note is now preferred over “Ibid." in the footnotes. (Section 13.37)
- Up to six authors are now listed in the bibliography. (Sections 13.23, 13.78, and 13.107)
For a complete list of changes, you can read the following blog post from CMOS: "What's New in the 18th Edition."
Help! How do I use CMOS?
If you are using CMOS for an essay, there are many resources available to help you:
- Visit the updated NWP Chicago Libguide. We have compiled the essentials of CMOS citation to facilitate its use for students.
- Book an appointment with one of our Research Librarians or our Writing Support Specialist to ask your CMOS questions and gain clarification regarding the use of this citation style.
Check out The Chicago Manual of Style: 18th Edition from the Learning Commons! The book contains useful tips for grammar and word usage alongside examples of in-text citations and bibliography entries.
Happy Writing!
Halloween-Themed Grammar Resources
With Halloween on the horizon, we have all things spooky on our minds, and what's more intimidating than grammar? But fear not! This Halloween we're sharing some sweet resources to help banish those creeping grammar fears.
The Deluxe Transitive Vampire
- This fun and informative book will help you learn about the different components of grammar through a gothic lens -perfect for the season of vampires, ghosts, and ghouls!
Beware of Nominalizations (AKA Zombie Nouns)
- In this video, presented by TedEd, explore how creating a noun from a verb can make a sentence or paragraph sluggish and senseless -just like a zombie!
Bonus: Spooky Etymology
Ever wonder where the term “jack o'lantern” comes from? Or how the the meaning of the words “terror” and “horror” are different? Check out Grammar Girl's fun and informative interview, The Dark Histories Behind Your Favorite Scary Words, to learn about the etymology of some classic spooky season words (available on YouTube and the Grammar Girl Podcast).
There are so many aspects of grammar that it can be hard to know where to start. Alongside these Halloween-themed resources, be sure to check out our grammar and punctuation guide to help make your writing spooktacular!
Happy writing and
Happy Halloween!
Need help with a course? Book a session with one of our awesome tutors!
New to our libguide lineup this year is a Generative AI Libguide. Discussions around generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) are plentiful, especially regarding it's application in higher education. This new libguide is a quick-start, need-to-know guide for students to better understand how GenAI tools, such as ChatGPT, work, and why their use is controversial in academic settings.
To introduce some of the ideas explored in the libguide, here are two reasons your instructors may not want you to be using GenAI:
GenAI could count as a form of academic misconduct if you rely too heavily on those tools to complete assignments. The NWP Student Rights and Responsibilities policy (2022) defines academic misconduct as “the commission of any action which falsely indicates the student's level of academic achievement.” If you get a program like ChatGPT to write your essay for you, how is that any different that asking another person to write your essay and then claiming the work as your own?
GenAI is an unreliable source of information. It can cite non-existent sources, and misattribute information, both of which can compromise your academic integrity.
For more information on academic integrity and plagiarism, check out our Academic Integrity guide.
Please note that the inclusion of this guide does not mean that you have permission to use GenAI tools to complete assignments. As of October 10, 2024, NWP does not have a institution-wise policy on GenAI, so each instructor is the authority on whether GenAI can be used in their class. Consult the course syllabus and assignment guidelines for every class to see if you are permitted to use GenAI for assignments. If you do not know, the best practice is to assume that you cannot, but you can always ask your instructor for clarification.
Check out our guide at libguides.nwpolytech.ca/generative_ai
Need help with course work? Book a session with one of our awesome tutors!
Start Early - Chunk Small - Stress Less
Start assignment planning by ensuring all assignment due dates are in your calendar and planners.
Now let's break down your assignments:
Step 1: Gather Information / Brainstorm Ideas
Step 2: Estimate the time needed to complete the assignment (approximately 2 hours per each 5% of the assignment weight).
Step 3: Chunk the assignment into smaller steps- use an assignment planner - and add to your weekly plans.
For advice & planners see the Academic Strategist 😀
Use your TEXTBOOKS!
Textbooks are pricey, often heavy (with physical texts), and can be overwhelming. However, textbooks are an integral part of your independent learning and aid comprehension. So how do you use them best?
What is a textbook for?
- Often the foundation of a class or topic
- Provides information that builds on itself
- Comprehensive; often written by lots of people
- Can be used to:
- Preview, learn, and review course concepts
- Create study materials for yourself
- Act as a reference material when you’re not sure of something
There are different ways to read a textbook:
- Previewing
- Following along in class
- Reviewing
- Referencing
Previewing a chapter:
- This is done before you discuss the textbook material in class.
- First, find the chapter you need.
- Read the introduction and conclusion first to get the general ideas.
- Look at the headings to learn what sub-topics there are.
- Look for any bold terms and be sure to understand what they mean.
- Skim through the sub-topics.
- Note down anything you have questions about.
Following along in class:
- When taking notes, make it clear which chapter in the textbook talks about those topics (e.g., page numbers).
- Write down anything the instructor says that adds onto or clarifies something in the textbook.
- You can also print out PPT slides and take notes directly on those, which can make this process easier.
- Ask questions about things that were unclear when you previewed the material, then note down the answer.
Reviewing
- You can test yourself by focusing on specific parts of the textbook:
- Read over the bolded terms. Can you explain what they all mean in your own words?
- Review the learning objectives. Have you met all of them?
- Try to answer any discussion/practice questions in the chapter, then check your work using the answer key or by
- looking back at the parts of the textbook that cover those topics.
- Go over the notes you took in class and during your preview.
Referencing
- There are several tools you can use to quickly find information in textbooks:
- The table of contents
- Chapter summaries
- The index (helps you find where key terms are in the rest of the textbook)
- The glossary (tells you the definitions of key terms found in the textbook)
- The search bar (available for many online textbooks)
Highlighting Method
- Highlighting Method is a form of notetaking.
- Preview your text – know your purpose or focus
- Choose your highlighting colours accordingly – ex. different colours for terms, facts, examples, etc.
- Read slowly and highlight sparingly.
- Write notes based on this important highlight info.
Welcome to NWP!
Best wishes as you start your semester journey! The first week can be filled with both excitement and uncertainty.
There are many people here at the Polytechnic who want to support your success, answer your questions, and alleviate your fears. We are here to help you start right and to stay strong!
Take time this first week to settle into your classes, to meet your instructors and classmates, to collect your texts and supplies, and to prepare for the rest the semester. Keep following this blog for more suggestions on starting right and staying strong all semester long!
You can also book time with me, your Academic Strategist, for personalized assistance getting set up, and to give me a visit, as I love meeting all of you! https://libcal.nwpolytech.ca/appointments/academicstrategy
Check out our fresh LibGuide on Getting Started at NWP for more information! https://libguides.nwpolytech.ca/gettingstarted
Just because it is hard does not mean it is Impossible. ~Tara~
The Semester Journey Image Description:
Month 1: Get organized and started
Create a time management plan
Do the assigned readings and begin course work
Develop study tools and notes (e.g., flash cards)
Month 2: Check in on progress and get help as needed
Avoid procrastinating
Complete assignments
Study for midterms
Month 3: The end of the semester is approaching! Keep going!
Manage your stress
Maintain motivation
Keep up with revision and review
Focus on final projects (e.g., presentations, term papers)
Month 4: Final push!
Submit final projects and assignments (on time!)
Prepare for and write exams
Make sure you get adequate food and sleep!
Nitty Griity Exam Time!
How do we prepare? Try organizing your study plan with a study planner (below).
- Write down each topic you need to review.
- Prioritize: Red for topics you are struggling with, Yellow for topics you kind of know, and Green for areas you are confident in.
- Allocate more time to and start with the Red topics.
- Check off as you complete and celebrate each accomplishment!
HOT TIP: the more review you do on the regular - the less stressed and panicked you will be heading into exam prep!
More study tips in upcoming blog posts
https://libguides.nwpolytech.ca/studyskills/templates
Stay on top of your day-to-day with a weekly plan!
There are a few different ways to plan your week depending on your class needs and workload.
You can visualize your week using a block-style planner. Within this weekly plan, you should block out the times you are in class, at events or at work. You should also block out time for class prep & revising notes, and creating study material. The plans below work well with a colour key.
Another element of a weekly plan is keeping track of your tasks! A task planner should include items for prep & revision, as well as, the homework tasks to complete each day.
Use due dates from your semester plan & assignment tracker to block out homework time in the weekly plans and tasks lists.
Templates can be found at:
https://libguides.nwpolytech.ca/studyskills/templates
Start your long-term planning right away!
This is important for prioritizing, chunking up, and planning your coursework.
Libguides has two templates designed for this, the semester planner and the assignment tracker, that you can print off and fill in.
To use:
- Start by looking at the Course Outlines for each class you are taking.
- Fill out the semester plan with all the due dates for assignments and test/exam dates.
- Use an assignment tracker for each subject – write in the due dates for each assignment, test & exam dates, the weight of each, and the mark when completed.
Find all time management templates here: https://libguides.nwpolytech.ca/studyskills/templates
Remember to:
- Highlight big items & key dates
- Update your plan as you go with new deadlines
- Keep this plan on display
- Cross off versus erasing completed assignments these are your accomplishments! 😎
HAPPY PLANNING!
