Understanding Plagiarism and its Consequences

This fast-paced program explains what plagiarism is and why students—as well as professionals—might engage in it. The information is presented by two actors portraying a young female writer/researcher and a male college student, with additional comments from a narrator, a university lecturer, and an editor at Lonely Planet. Viewers are told that using someone else's work prevents the development of one's own ideas and research skills; in addition, plagiarists can lose jobs, be expelled from school, and even face criminal charges. While the consequences are not downplayed, the tone here is sympathetic to those who might be ignorant of copyright laws and even to some degree plagiarists succumbing to familial or academic pressure to succeed, noting that the behavior can occur inadvertently and that first-time offenders are usually given the benefit of the doubt (several tips are offered to help avoid unintentional plagiarism). Although electronic programs may be used as a means of detection, teachers can often spot changes in a student's unique writing style. Viewers are also encouraged to protect their own work, and several “myths” about plagiarism are briefly addressed. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)