54a. Understanding how the MLA system works

54aUnderstand how the MLA system works.

Most English professors and some humanities professors require the MLA (Modern Language Association) system of in-text citations. Here, briefly, is how the MLA citation system usually works. (See 56 for more details and model citations.)

  1. The source is introduced by a signal phrase that names its author.
  2. The material being cited is followed by a page number in parentheses.
  3. At the end of the paper, a list of works cited (arranged alphabetically by authors’ last names) gives complete publication information for the source.

in-text citation

Legal scholar Jay Kesan points out that the law holds employers liable for employees’ actions such as violations of copyright laws, the distribution of offensive or graphic sexual material, and illegal disclosure of confidential information (312).

entry in the list of works cited

Kesan, Jay P. “Cyber-Working or Cyber-Shirking? A First Principles Examination of Electronic Privacy in the Workplace.” Florida Law Review 54.2 (2002): 289-332. Print.

This basic MLA format varies for different types of sources. For a detailed discussion and other models, see 56.