Synthesis: Using the Work of Others
First Things First
This section gives an overview of plagiarism, including a precise definition, why it's important and hard to avoid, as well as definite don'ts and what happens if you're accused.
| What is Plagiarism? | Plagiarism, strictly speaking, is the stealing of words, ideas, images, or creative works. Plagiarism, whether or not it is intentional, is looked upon as an academic crime. (more . . .) |
| Who Cares? | The University of Maine at Farmington is a community of learners. We come together to learn from and to teach each other. Inherent in that relationship is an expectation of academic integrity, an ethic of scholarship. (more . . .) |
| Why is Plagiarism Difficult to Avoid? | Plagiarism is a sticky subject, one that gets students and even professional writers into trouble from time to time. What's so sticky about it? Well, the experts don't always agree on what is or isn't plagiarism. (more . . .) |
| Definite Don'ts | A list of actions that are clearly acts of plagiarism. (more . . .) |
| What Happens if You're Accused | If you are worried about being accused of plagiarism, your best defense is to do your own work, keep careful track of your sources and notes, understand everything you have written, and acknowledge those who contribute to your work. (more . . .) |