I am very tough on plagiarism - I state that students may receive an "F" for the course and prohibited from withdrawing, even it it is prior to the last date for withdrawal with a "W." The administration supports faculty assignment of penalty, if it is clearly stated on the syllabus.
I have replaced some research paper assignments with portfolios that involve many of the steps of a research paper which have been broken into separate components of the portfolio. This works very well for Social Problems and Family courses. For Intro to Sociology, I have students analyze groups to which they belong using sociological theory and concepts. In addition I usually have students talk about the paper (10 minutes presentation) or do oral debates. Unfortunately, plagiarism is rampant and it has caused me to change my assignments. I once received an electronic copy paper of a paper with the Paper Store receipt still attached. The middle-aged, reentry student argued that I was mistaken - it was the student's own work until I mentioned that I knew it was purchased with Mastercard. It is a great deal of work for faculty to monitor plagiarism - some instutitions have enough librarians to help search "questionable papers." We don't do that here. The students who cheat don't necessarily fit any profile. Susan St. John, Assoc. Prof. of Sociology Corning Community College laura kramer wrote: > >in addition to having a handout, on day one, with my policy, a >dictionary definition of plagiarism, and a brief reference to my >university's policy on it, ...and info about web page citation...i >follow up with a statement at the bottom of the "Student Info Sheet" >(where i find out a bit about student experience w/ Blackboard, >emergency phone number, other soc courses taken, etc.) with a statement >the student is asked, not required, to sign saying that s/he has read >and understands the course policy on plagiarism. i got the ok of the >(previous) dean of students - i was concerned that it might be seen as >coercive to request that this statement be signed. students have never >complained. > >i give them very little opportunity, nevertheless, and regret that i >have decided to cut back on writing in order to avoid dealing w/ plagiarism. > >i'd like to see angus vail's materials. i am always finding more info >is needed by students about just what is meant... > >laura > >beccahenthorn wrote: > >>I was just wondering how the rest of you guys deal with academic >>dishonesty. Do you have a school wide or departmental policy? Do you >>have a statement about academic dishonesty in your course syllabus, and >>how is the student disciplined for such behaviors. >> >>Rebecca Henthorn >>Murray State College >>Tishomingo, OK 73460 >>http://mscok.edu/~bhenthorn >> >> >> > >
