Acknowledging sources

Abstract

The ethics of research in an academic community demand that all writers receive credit for their work. If you do not credit your sources, you risk plagiarizing — intentionally or unintentionally appropriating the ideas, terms, language or work of another. Plagiarism is academic dishonesty. There are substantial penalties, including suspension and expulsion, for cheating and plagiarism. We have designed this document to explain how to cite sources for work in American Studies and to help you understand the nature of plagiarism and how to avoid it.