Defining Plagiarism (so you can avoid it)

Summary

Ruth Haller, an English instructor at Henry Ford College, emphasizes the importance of understanding plagiarism in academic writing. She defines it as using another's words or ideas without proper credit, which can have severe consequences. Haller clarifies that plagiarism can occur accidentally and outlines various forms, including direct copying, paraphrasing without citation, and submitting work done by others. She advises students to use quotation marks, provide citations, and consult instructors or the writing center to avoid academic dishonesty.

Takeaways

• 😀 Plagiarism is a serious issue in academic environments and can have significant consequences across various disciplines.
• 📚 The basic definition of plagiarism is using another person's words or ideas without proper credit.
• 🤔 Students often have a basic understanding of plagiarism but may not fully grasp its complexities and nuances.
• ❌ Even accidental plagiarism can result in the same penalties as intentional plagiarism, emphasizing the importance of understanding what constitutes plagiarism.
• ✏️ Failing to use quotation marks for directly copied text, even a single word, is considered plagiarism.
• 🔄 Paraphrasing or summarizing without proper citation is also plagiarism, as it involves using another's ideas without credit.
• 🔀 Merely rearranging words or slightly altering the structure of a sentence from a source without citation is still plagiarism.
• 📖 Omitting source documentation, even if the text is in quotation marks, is an incomplete citation and thus plagiarism.
• 📝 Submitting a works cited page without corresponding in-text citations is insufficient and can be considered plagiarism.
• 🚫 Inventing or misrepresenting sources is academic dishonesty and carries the same penalties as plagiarism.
• 📑 Submitting work that is not your own, including papers written or revised by someone else, is a clear case of plagiarism.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video script?

The primary focus of the video script is to educate students about the concept of plagiarism, its definition, and the various forms it can take, with the goal of helping them avoid it.

Who is the speaker in the video script?

The speaker in the video script is Ruth Haller, an English instructor at Henry Ford College.

What courses does Ruth Haller teach at Henry Ford College?

Ruth Haller teaches English 131 and English 132, both of which are writing and composition courses.

Why is the topic of plagiarism important according to the script?

The topic of plagiarism is important because it has significant consequences in college environments and across various disciplines and fields, and it is essential for students to understand to avoid academic dishonesty.

What is the basic definition of plagiarism provided by the Henry Ford College's English department?

The basic definition of plagiarism provided by the Henry Ford College's English department is 'the act of using another author's words or ideas without properly crediting him or her.'

Can plagiarism occur accidentally, and if so, what are the consequences?

Yes, plagiarism can occur accidentally, and students may not realize they are committing it. However, the consequences for accidental plagiarism are the same as for intentional plagiarism, emphasizing the importance of understanding what constitutes plagiarism.

What are some examples of plagiarism mentioned in the script?

Examples of plagiarism mentioned in the script include: failing to use quotation marks for copied words, using another's sentence structure or substance without credit, rearranging words from a source without proper citation, omitting source documentation, and submitting a paper written or revised by another person.

Why is it important to use quotation marks and citations when including someone else's words in your work?

Using quotation marks and citations is important to give proper credit to the original author and to clearly indicate which parts of the text are not your own work, thus avoiding plagiarism.

What is the significance of a works cited or references page in relation to plagiarism?

A works cited or references page is significant because it lists all the sources used in a paper, but it is not enough on its own to avoid plagiarism. Proper in-text citations are also necessary to link the quoted or summarized information back to the sources listed.

What advice does Ruth Haller give to students who are unsure about avoiding plagiarism?

Ruth Haller advises students to be proactive, ask their instructor for clarification, or consult a respondent at the virtual writing center before submitting their assignments to avoid plagiarism.

What are the consequences of academic dishonesty as discussed in the script?

The consequences of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, can be severe and are treated similarly across disciplines and institutions, often resulting in penalties that can affect a student's academic standing.