Plagiarism: How not to do it
Plagiarism put simply is theft. Plagiarism is when you take the work of someone else (or a group) and claim it as your own by turning in a document with your name on it and no other attributions to the work you borrowed. Plagiarism in my class results in a 0 for the assignment. It may also include an incomplete for the grade until you construct your own assignment. This new assignment still receives a 0, but you will now receive credit for the marking period. Do your own work. Understand the topic. Attribute your sources. And write your own complete final product to avoid plagiarism.
Plagiarism can come in many forms:
Common Examples:
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The Copy and Paste: If you take a unique phrase, a sentence, a paragraph, or an entire essay and simply place it in your document and call it it yours - that's plagiarism.
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The Remix: If you take a sentence from someone else, then change a few words to make it "your own work", it isn't. It's plagiarism.
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The Spark Note: If you read Sparknotes (or any helpful site) and then use that knowledge in your work in a very similiar manner (even though you are not directly quoting it), it's plagiarism.
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My Friends Homework: If your friend / brother / or some else completes a homework assignment and you then copy the answers from that homework - that's also plagiarism.
In college, plagiarism can lead to removal from a course, no credit for the semester (and loss of money), or complete removal from the school (without refund). It's a serious matter. Outside of education land, plagiarism can lead to lawsuits (when a musician uses a sample from another song without permission), or loss of a job (don't copy that education plan from other people when running for office!).
You are responsible for your actions. If you are unsure about plagiarism, ask questions! Here are some helpful websites that can give you further information on the topic: