Plagiarism and Inadequate Acknowledgement of Sources

Student Handbook: Plagiarism and Inadequate Acknowledgement of Sources

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Introduction

As part of our commitment to academic integrity, it is essential for all students to understand plagiarism and the importance of properly acknowledging sources. This handbook provides guidelines to help you navigate these critical aspects of your academic journey at RPS Seminary, specifically using the Turabian citation style.

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What is Plagiarism?

Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s work, ideas, or intellectual property without giving proper credit. This includes, but is not limited to:

– Copying text or ideas from books, articles, websites, or other sources without citing them.
– Submitting work that is not your own, including essays, reports, or research papers.
– Failing to use quotation marks for direct quotations.
– Paraphrasing someone else’s ideas without proper citation.

Plagiarism undermines the academic community’s trust and integrity and can lead to severe consequences, including disciplinary actions.

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Inadequate Acknowledgement of Sources

Inadequate acknowledgment occurs when a student attempts to credit a source but fails to do so correctly or fully. Common mistakes include:

– Incomplete citations that lack necessary information.
– Using a citation style incorrectly, specifically Turabian.
– Not providing a bibliography or works cited page when required.

It is crucial to ensure that all sources are properly acknowledged to maintain academic honesty and respect for the original authors.

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Guidelines for Avoiding Plagiarism

1. Understand Turabian Citation Style: Familiarize yourself with the Turabian citation style, which is widely used in the humanities. This style has specific rules for citing various types of sources.

2. Keep Track of Sources: While researching, take detailed notes and clearly indicate where each piece of information comes from to ensure accurate citations later.

3. Use Quotation Marks: When directly quoting a source, always use quotation marks and provide an appropriate citation.

4. Paraphrase Carefully: If you are summarizing or paraphrasing an author’s ideas, ensure that you rewrite the concept in your own words and provide proper credit.

5. Create a Bibliography: At the end of your paper, include a bibliography that lists all sources cited in your work, formatted according to Turabian guidelines.
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Consequences of Plagiarism

Engaging in plagiarism or inadequate acknowledgment of sources may result in:

– A failing grade for the assignment.
– Disciplinary action by the seminary, which may include academic probation or expulsion.
– A permanent mark on your academic record.

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Resources for Assistance

Library Resources: Utilize the seminary library’s resources to access citation guides, specifically for Turabian style, and workshops.

Professors and Mentors: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your professors or mentors if you have questions about citing sources or understanding plagiarism.

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Conclusion

Maintaining academic integrity is a shared responsibility. As students of RPS Seminary, it is crucial to honor the work of others while contributing your unique insights to the academic community. By understanding and following these guidelines, you can ensure a respectful and honest academic experience.

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By adhering to these principles, we can all contribute to a culture of integrity and respect within our seminary community.