Thinking About Plagiarizing? Dont!

Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty

When you hear the word "cheating" what scenarios come to your mind?

• Copying off of someone's test.  
• Copying your friends homework because you forgot to do your own. 

These two things are important, but they are only a small part of plagiarism and academic dishonesty. 

As a student it is your obligation to get an education...an honest education. That means, doing your own work, studying for tests, researching and writing your own papers. 

There are many consequences to "cheating" or "plagiarism." 

But the riskiest consequence, is people's ability to trust you as a person. 

Don't let that happen. Make the effort to be a good student. People who engage in academic dishonesty deprive themselves of a good education. 

The Legal and Ethical Debate of Copyright Law

Inspiration VS Appropriation

Inspiration - something that influences, propels, or inspires you to create something new.

Appropriation - to use someone else’s creative work to make something new, often without their permission. 

There is a debate in the music industry today about sampling and remixing. Some people think it is fair use, while others believe it violates copyright law. People in the music industry have various perspectives on this issue.

Inspiration is when you...

• Write a story in a style that resembles another story you've read, but is something different (Remember all the vampire books that came out after Twilight Series!!) 

Appropriation is when you..

• Use the melody or the base of a song you like to create another song.

For example: 

It's OKAY to be inspired by someone else's creative work to create something of your own but when you copy and paste, or use an entire song as the backdrop for something you created...you are violating copyright law. 

Reference:

Rights, Remixes and and Respect

Common Sense Education