ACADEMIC PLAGIARISM AND CHEATING Plagiarism means copying another text without referencing the source of that text. It is possible to plagiarise an idea, a paragraph, or an argument. Direct copying of lines and paragraphs word for word (whether from a reading, the study guide or another source) is an obvious case of plagiarism. Cheating is defined as any fraudulent response to any item of assessment and includes plagiarism. It is important that you be aware of the practices which constitute acts of plagiarism. Plagiarism occurs where: • paragraphs, sentences, a single sentence or significant parts of a sentence which are copied directly, are not enclosed in quotation marks and appropriately referenced; • where direct quotations are not used, but are paraphrased or summarised, and the source of the material is not acknowledged either by footnoting or other simple reference within the text of the paper; • where an idea which appears elsewhere in printed material or film is used or developed without reference being made to the author or the source of that idea. In cases where plagiarism is felt to be minor or due to scholarly ignorance, the marker may return the assignment with a mark of Unsatisfactory and require it to be resubmitted. In cases where the extent of plagiarism is significant, the assignment will be referred to the relevant Assessment Board which may award the assignment a mark of Unacceptable with no opportunity for resubmission.