2. Quick reference

This checklist summarises the most important citation rules that students must obey.

Citation System

• Use the footnote–bibliography system (not author–date).
• Put superscript footnote numbers in the text.
• Give full details in the first footnote, then use shortened forms.

Footnotes

• First citation: full footnote (author, title, publication details, page number).
• Later citations: shortened footnote (author, shortened title, page number).
• Immediately repeated citation: use Ibid. with page number if different.

Bibliography

• Include all primary and secondary sources cited in footnotes.
• Arrange entries alphabetically by author surname.
• Use hanging indents.
• Do not list:
  • individual Bible passages,
  • confessions or creeds (unless a specific edition is discussed),
  • lecture notes or lecture recordings (except for THEO101 coursework).

Scripture

• Cite Bible passages by footnotes, not by parenthetical in-text references.
• Identify the Bible translation at first use (e.g., ESV).
• Use standard abbreviations (e.g., Gen, Ps, Isa, Rom).
• Do not include Scripture passages in the bibliography.

Confessions, Catechisms, and Creeds

• Cite by chapter, article, or question number, not page number.
• Use recognised abbreviations after first reference (e.g., WCF, 1689 LBCF).
• Normally exclude from the bibliography.

Classical and Patristic Works

• Cite by book, chapter, section, question, or article.
• Identify the edition or translation used.
• Include these works in the bibliography.

Lecture Notes and Lecture Videos

• Cite in footnotes only.
• Do not include in the bibliography.
• Use sparingly and only where the material is unpublished elsewhere.