How-To Not-Plagiarize
Yes, that now includes using ChatGPT! Please note: Even though the legal field has given a "cautious approval" for AI use in writing legal opinions (see AP article here), you must follow the guidelines given you by UC Berkeley, and in particular those guidelines given you in your course syllabi and in individual assignment instructions. Also, remember well that, even as AI evolves (often using stolen, unreimbursed information), typical AI (like ChatGPT) responses are usually just informative, accurate, and “safe” in a non-uniquely-you way of writing. They often give a sense that a writer is on autopilot and is not thinking about the prompt behind the writing. AI can also produce incorrect, canned, and sometimes hallucinative responses. Your written responses, on the other hand, should show that you are understanding the prompt or are trying to understand it. Listen in to Ezra Klein's episode about ChatGPT/AI.
I contacted the authors whose work appears on this website, including Cal students, asking permission to post their work. I also cite all sources, including images. When an article's or an image's Creative Commons License requires certain phrasing, that is also included. Always cite all sources, including images. Give credit where credit is due.
Plagiarism at its root is "kidnapping," from a Latin word for "kidnapper," plagiarius, which has in it plaga or "a net," hence the Spongebob-jellyfishing-with-his-net meme. So plagiarism literally means someone goes out and "nets" (steals) another person's work.
If you have questions on how best to quote a source, please ask me. We also have quoting workshops. Citing our sources is a way to cultivate community, too. I meet new friends by emailing: "Would it be possible to post your article if I attribute it?" Authors emailed back immediately. One said, "So nice to meet you! . . . Yes, you absolutely have my permission to post my article on your teaching site."
Remember that good, consistent notetaking is key to avoiding accidental plagiarism.
Thanks again go to all my students at Cal for your good ideas, work, and contributions, and for permission to share them. When asked, "What would most help you succeed?" a few years ago, several students in CWR1A asked for "an online course guide." Through many discussions, your ideas grew organically into this website (Engaging Gen Z) and another on Tumblr (Creative Space). Both are evolving digital sandboxes. They keep evolving and growing, helping present and future students as we go. As we do, we also grow and strengthen our community!
I contacted the authors whose work appears on this website, including Cal students, asking permission to post their work. I also cite all sources, including images. When an article's or an image's Creative Commons License requires certain phrasing, that is also included. Always cite all sources, including images. Give credit where credit is due.
Plagiarism at its root is "kidnapping," from a Latin word for "kidnapper," plagiarius, which has in it plaga or "a net," hence the Spongebob-jellyfishing-with-his-net meme. So plagiarism literally means someone goes out and "nets" (steals) another person's work.
If you have questions on how best to quote a source, please ask me. We also have quoting workshops. Citing our sources is a way to cultivate community, too. I meet new friends by emailing: "Would it be possible to post your article if I attribute it?" Authors emailed back immediately. One said, "So nice to meet you! . . . Yes, you absolutely have my permission to post my article on your teaching site."
Remember that good, consistent notetaking is key to avoiding accidental plagiarism.
Thanks again go to all my students at Cal for your good ideas, work, and contributions, and for permission to share them. When asked, "What would most help you succeed?" a few years ago, several students in CWR1A asked for "an online course guide." Through many discussions, your ideas grew organically into this website (Engaging Gen Z) and another on Tumblr (Creative Space). Both are evolving digital sandboxes. They keep evolving and growing, helping present and future students as we go. As we do, we also grow and strengthen our community!