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English: Plagiarism

This research guide provides helpful resources for English and Writing courses

What is Plagiarism?

Plagiarism is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary Online as "the action or practice of taking someone else's work, idea, etc., and passing it off as one's own" ("plagiarism" 1). It includes:

  • Submitting the work of others, whether in whole or part, as if you wrote it. 
  • Not providing correct citations for the work of others.
  • Submitting work from a previous assignment without the consent of the instructor.

According to the Napa Valley College Policy on Academic Honesty, academic dishonesty (including plagiarism) can result in the following consequences:

  • Receive a lower or failing grade on the assignment or exam
  • Fail the course
  • Be referred to the Vice-President of Student Services for student disciplinary action

Works Cited

Academic Honesty. Board Policies, Napa Valley Community College District, April 2009. https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/nvccd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BJXUJ27C38B5.

"plagiarism, n." OED Online, Oxford UP, December 2022, www.oed.com/view/Entry/144939.

Online Resources