Citing a lecture, speech, reading, or address: MLA (8th ed.) citation guide

 

This guide is based on the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 8th ed. and provides selected citation examples for common types of sources. For more detailed information please consult the print version of the handbook available at the SFU Library.

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The 8th edition of the MLA Handbook does not list specific rules on how to cite a DVD, a book, a journal article, etc., but instead outlines a universal set of general guidelines of citation and documentation that can be applied to any source type, including lectures, speeches, readings, and addresses. These are the guidelines we followed to develop the following examples for you.

Lecture, speech, reading or address

Parenthetical (in-text)

(Crespi)

In his discussion of the evolution and nature of the fossil record, Professor Dunlop emphasized. . . .

Works cited

Crespi, Bernie. "Darwin and Your Brain." Vancouver Evolution Festival. Simon Fraser University and University of British Columbia, 12 Feb. 2009, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver. Lecture.

Dunlop, Robbie. Earth Sciences 106: Earth Through Time. 11 Mar. 2010, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby. Class lecture.

Comments

When citing an oral presentation, like a class lecture, give:

  • the speaker's name
  • the title of the presentation in quotation marks, if known
  • the name of the sponsoring organization
  • the date
  • the venue
  • the location. The city may be omitted if part of the venue name (e.g. Vancouver Convention Centre) (p. 50).

Provide a descriptive label (Address, Lecture, Keynote speech, Reading) to indicate the type of presentation after the location (p. 52).

If you are citing a class lecture, provide the lecture title in quotation marks after the professor's name, the course name and course number after the lecture title and add the word "Class lecture" (without quotation marks) after the location.

If your class lecture does not have a title, provide the course name and course number after the professor's name and write "Class lecture" (without quotation marks) after the location.