Policy on Plagiarism

Policy Towards Plagiarism: Plagiarism occurs any time a writer copies either the exact phrasing or the general idea of another writer’s work without acknowledging and properly documenting the original source of the borrowed material. In your writing, you should build arguments based on your own thinking about what we have read together. Our class discussions should stimulate your thinking. Do not consult any critical or scholarly works outside of those we use in class. If you have any questions about whether or not you have adequately cited your sources, please see me. Also, please review the school’s policy on plagiarism in the CPS handbook. Keep in mind that plagiarism is an extremely serious matter; if someone has plagiarized—and trust me, I WILL know—I will do everything I can to track down the sources and bring this offense to light. If you’re feeling desperate or stuck, it is far better to talk to me (I am always happy to talk, even at the last minute!) than to risk the consequences of this very grave offense.

English Policy on Academic Integrity: The English Department values individual interpretation, personal creativity, and complete integrity. We expect our students to honor their authentic learning experiences by doing their own work. Our students should not use reading guides or sites (such as SparkNotes) because doing so will short-change the process of learning and understanding. Essays and other written work should be the culmination of intellectual engagement with classroom discussion, the literature, and the personal reflection we so value and prize.

And...

ALL of the following constitute academic dishonesty:

• • reading an online summary instead of reading the book

  • reading an online summary after reading the book to review plot or confirm that your interpretations are “correct”

  • purchasing an essay online and submitting it, in whole or in part, as your own

  • reading an online essay to get ideas, then paraphrasing a few sentences for your own essay

  • presenting another student’s (or any other person’s) writing as your own

  • using an online summary to complete a review sheet

  • copying someone else’s review sheet

  • glancing at someone’s quiz to make sure you’re on the right track

  • asking a student from an earlier period about in-class essay prompts or quiz questions

  • enlisting a tutor, older sibling, fellow student, parent (or anyone else) to edit your work (as distinct from simply offering you feedback)

  • using ideas gathered from the margins of an already-annotated book.

The consequences for plagiarism and other breaches of academic integrity are serious. If you have questions about any “gray areas,” ask me.