Me vs Academic Integrity
Last week I had to write a monologue for a scriptwriting class. I decided monologues were stupid, so I spent most of my time re-reading my Settlers board game instructions, wishing I had three friends.About fifteen minutes before the assignment was due, I felt this sudden, inexplicable urge to not fail my class. So I wrote a monologue about fall. Or more accurately, I wrote - word for word - this monologue about fall.
I turned it in and got an 'A.'
I was so pumped after getting rewarded for plagiarizing that I launched straight into an argument so I wouldn't lose my "high."
Me: Take that, Academic Integrity!
AI: Allow me to quote from your College Writing I syllabus.
Me: No.
AI: Doesn't matter. I'm going to anyway. "Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any student caught plagiarizing will receive an 'F' for the course."
Me: Boy, I'm glad I'm not taking my class.
AI: But shouldn't you hold yourself to the same - nay - a higher standard than your students?
Me: Hey, wait a second. You stole from my syllabus! You were just plagiarizing, hypocrite.
AI: No I wasn't. I used quote marks and gave you credit for the statement. You don't know anything about plagiarism, do you? How on earth did you get that teaching job?
Me: Hey, look over there!
* * *
In Conclusion: Me - 1, Academic Integrity and friends - 0
posted by Reinman @ 10:24 AM
7 comments
7 Comments:
It looked like you were arguing with your father. Plagiarism is only cheating if you get caught.
I don't get it. You wrote it, didn't you?
You're right. It really wasn't plagiarism. I just called it that so I could win the argument (not that I needed any help).
Whether or not it was acadmeically ethical is a bit more hazy. I wrote it, yes, but it was a while back, and it wasn't for the class.
When the scriptwriting professor hands out assignments, there is an unspoken understanding that our work is to be original and fresh. And, ideally, it should build from what we've learned in class.
Mine only had one of the three going for it - originality. And while originality is the most important of those components, I should be aiming a little higher (especially if I expect the same from my students).
But not to worry. If I thought this would get me in big trouble, I wouldn't have posted about it.
OK, that was a lie.
I was so happy you posted I almost commented without reading the post first. But I restrained myself, and now I've gotten my laugh for the next two weeks.
didn't Hemingway write, like, ten pages a day?
:)
You are definitly creative Aaron. Why couldn't you be my college english professor.
You are too cool.
who are academic integrity's friends? i'd like to have a heads up.
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