A Word on Plagiarism

Plagiarism.  Literary theft.  The appropriation of or taking of another’s ideas or words for use as one’s own.  Stealing work that belongs to someone else.  That's a serious and real definition.

Your writing is like your fingerprint or your signature.  If there is a big change in it, the likelihood of someone else having done it is blatantly OBVIOUS.  Spending time rewording someone else’s work is wasted time that only produces a confusing response that, on its own, will be a failure. 

It’s stolen if not acknowledged.  That’s the matter. 

Remember that the ultimate responsibility for plagiarism lies with the writer—that’s YOU.  Ensuring that your work is not only thorough and well-communicated but also free of error in citation is something that YOU must take time and consideration to maintain.  There are NO excuses for plagiarism.

With all of that said, understand that the varying forms of plagiarism also hold different forms of consequence.  If a student’s actions are unintended (which is obvious), then my penalty usually holds an uncomfortable conference and a failing grade on the paper.  If however, the actions are intended (again, also obvious), the penalty is swift and unavoidable: failure in the class and possible disciplinary action by the college.

It’s your choice.  There is no reason to plagiarize—and no excuse.