Plagiarism: What International Students Should Know Kevin Moberg Writing Center and Supplemental Instruction Coordinator Academic Success Center

What Do You Already Know about Plagiarism? Take this pre-test: http://www.lib.sfu.ca/researchhelp/tutorials/interactive/plagiarism/tutorial/Plagiarism-Pretest-QUIZ.htm

Introduction to Plagiarism All writers borrow ideas from other sources. When writers do that, they are expected to acknowledge from whom they borrowed their ideas. If they do not, it is as though they are pretending that those ideas are actually their own. That is considered to be lying. It is also considered to be stealing, since they are stealing the ideas from the original source. That is plagiarism, and it is considered grounds for punishment.

What Is “Plagiarism”? Stealing Fraud—deceit, lying Stealing ideas from the original creator Stealing written work from the original author Fraud—deceit, lying Pretending that someone else’s work is your own Misleading others into believing that you have created ideas or work that you have actually taken from someone else

How Does Plagiarism Occur? Essays/papers/compositions Turning in another’s essay as your own Turning in an essay in which you include others’ work as though it were your own Turning in an essay without acknowledging that it includes ideas taken from someone else Tests/examinations/quizzes Sharing test questions or answers with another Using resources that are not allowed (calculator, notes, etc.)

How Do You Know Whether You Have Plagiarized? Ask yourself, “Would someone reading this work think that I created something that was really created by another person?” If the answer is “yes,” then it is plagiarism.

Why Should Plagiarism Concern You? Potential penalties are harsh! Reprimand Failing grade on the essay or exam Failing grade in the course Suspension or expulsion from the program Suspension or expulsion from the university Legal action and fees

Why Is Plagiarism a Concern at University? Value of individual thought Developing each individual’s mind/ideas—being innovative—not plagiarizing This contrasts with Valuing friendship over academic integrity (for example, “helping a friend” by providing answers on a test rather than seeing it as cheating) Valuing accumulating points instead of accumulating knowledge Honoring others by using their ideas in your writing (for example, assuming professors will know whose work you’re using without your making that clear)

Why Is Plagiarism a Concern at University? 2. Value of contributing to academic dialogue Developing as an independent scholar means joining the “academic conversation” Creating ideas and offering them to others to inspire them to create their own What you write reflects what you learn and think and, thus, what you have to offer other scholars (adding to the sum of knowledge)

Why Is Plagiarism a Concern at University? 3. Reliability of grades They’re a measure of learning Tell professor how to adjust instruction Tell transcript readers what you know and can do They reflect the quality of one’s work Reward for your effort, time, and work—a point of pride Alert to areas in which more work is needed They indicate one’s place in the academic community

How Do You Avoid Plagiarizing? Ask professor for his/her expectations regarding working together, citing research, etc. Study and practice proper citation Keep notes during reading and research Use MLA and APA format resources on-line Seek advice at the Writing Center When working together, do cooperate but don’t co-opt Don’t copy others’ work Help one anther, but don’t turn in identical work

Resources for You Consult resources available on-line at iMoberg.com Visit the Writing Center in the Academic Success Center (handout) Attend Academic Success Center workshop (handout)

Academic Success Center We’re here to help you! Lower level of the Stoxen Library Please stop by!