How to Cite a Class Handout in APA

One of the most important aspects of writing a solid term paper is making sure to correctly cite all sources you use for information. This includes any class handouts that you utilize when writing your paper. Failing to cite these could lead to charges of academic plagiarism. The American Psychological Association (APA) sets clear guidelines for the correct citation of class handouts.

Step 1

List the name of the professor who composed the handout in the following format:

Last Name, First Initial.

For example: Smith, D.

Step 2

List the year in parentheses, followed by a period.

For example: (2010).

Step 3

List the title of the handout. Capitalize only the first letter of the title, along with any proper nouns.

For example: Profiles of major American psychologists

Step 4

List the type of resource in brackets, followed by a period.

For example: [Class handout].

Step 5

List the college department, institution, city and state in the following format:

Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Boston, MA.

Step 6

Ensure that the finished citation appears in the following format:

Smith, D. (2010). Profiles of major American psychologists [Class handout]. Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Boston, MA.