Copyright and Plagiarism

1. Copyright: Copyright is a legal term describing the rights given to creators for their literary and artistic works. Over the course of this unit, we will explore the essence and implications of copyright, providing students with a firm understanding of what it is and why it matters. You'll learn how to ensure your works are protected, the rights you have as a creator, and how to respect the copyright of others.
2. Public domain: This section explores the concept of public domain, which consists of works that are not protected by copyright and are publicly accessible. We'll delve into the factors that determine when a work enters the public domain and the significance of this for creators and consumers.
3. Fair use: Fair use is a legal doctrine that promotes freedom of expression by permitting the unlicensed use of copyright-protected works in certain circumstances. From this unit, you'll understand the scope and limitations of fair use, and be able to apply this knowledge in handling copyrighted material responsibly.
4. Plagiarism: This unit emphasizes the importance of academic integrity by explaining what plagiarism is. It also discusses how to avoid it by using proper citation and referencing methods. We'll consider different examples of plagiarism and how slight variation in referencing can make the difference between plagiarizing and appropriately citing a source.
5. Consequences of plagiarism: We'll discuss the serious consequences plagiarism can have, both academically and professionally, to imbibe the significance of originality and proper acknowledgment of others' works. You'll gain a clear understanding of academic penalties, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences connected with plagiarism.
6. Referencing: The last part of the module provides practical guide on how to reference both book and online sources correctly, using various referencing styles. Referencing is crucial to avoid plagiarism and to honor the work of others. You'll learn how to reference different types of sources using the most popular referencing formats, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago.

At the end of this module, you'll have a clear understanding of both copyright and plagiarism, and how to navigate these areas responsibly in your academic projects and professional works. With these skills, you'll be better armed not only to guard your own intellectual property, but to respect and acknowledge that of others as well.

Course Goals:

1. Understand and articulate the concept and importance of copyright.
2. Differentiate between public domain and copyrighted materials.
3. Apply the principles of fair use in dealing with copyrighted materials.
4. Grasp a comprehensive understanding of plagiarism and its consequences.
5. Successfully implement and understand various referencing techniques.
6. Understanding the correct processes to reference both book and online sources.

Course Objectives:

1. By the end of the module, students should be able to define copyright, explain its importance in protecting original works, and discuss its role in promoting creativity and innovation.
2. Students will be able to differentiate between materials that are in the public domain and those that are protected by copyright and be aware of the legal implications of using both.
3. Students should be able to apply the principles of fair use in their own work and provide real-life examples of situations where fair use may be applicable.
4. Students will gain a complete understanding of what constitutes plagiarism, the severe consequences of plagiaristic behaviors, and strategies they can use to avoid plagiarizing.
5. Students will showcase the ability to accurately reference sources in their work, including proper in-text citation and bibliography/works cited creation, in accordance with a selected citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago Style).
6. Students will understand the correct processes to reference both book and online sources, demonstrating the ability to properly format these in a chosen citation style, and recognizing the differences between them.

The Importance of this Module

The issues of Copyright and Plagiarism form a critical foundation in the evolving world of technology and digital media. Growth in technology has created easy access to diverse information, making it a double-edged sword, yielding the potential for both ethical use and misuse. This module stands relevant by empowering users with the knowledge to respect intellectual property rights and to avoid plagiarism.

A global study by the International Chamber of Commerce revealed that online piracy will drain $2.3 trillion from the US economy and risk 5.4 million jobs by 2022. This compelling truth presents the urgency in understanding the essence of Copyright. Also, a report by The Center for Academic Integrity found that almost 80% of college students admit to cheating at least once, emphasizing the importance of understanding and averting Plagiarism. By equipping the participants with appropriate referencing skills, it promotes a culture of integrity and originality.

Theology of Technology

Navigating the technological world with solid grounding on ethics is vital while embracing a theistic outlook. The biblical references of 'Thou shalt not steal' (Exodus 20:15) and 'Give to everyone what you owe them' (Romans 13:7) are directly correlated to this scenario. Firstly, understanding Copyright acts as a deterrent to stealing someone's intellectual property, just as the Exodus commandment guides. Secondly, proper citation gives credit to the original authors, in alignment with the Romans verse, demonstrating our responsibility to repay what is owed, even in terms of acknowledgement.

A Christ-Centered Perspective

The praxis of the teachings of Jesus Christ involves living in truth and promoting justice. The key teachings of Christ that support this module include "Do to others as you would have them do to you" (Luke 6:31), and "Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No,' 'No'" (Matthew 5:37).

The Golden Rule (Luke 6:31) encourages respect for one's work as we would want our work to be respected, thereby avoiding plagiarism and honoring copyrights. In the technological world, this means honoring Copyright laws and refraining from using others' works without permission or proper acknowledgment.

Matthew 5:37 advises straightforwardness in all aspects of life, promoting honesty and transparency. In the context of technology, it reinforces avoiding plagiarism and ensuring every sourced or borrowed idea is correctly cited. This integrity in dealing with others' creations gives rise to an ethical digital society, inspired by the Christ-centered teachings.

Thus, a theological perspective on technology aids in understanding and adhering to the principles of Copyright and Plagiarism, thereby contributing to the responsible use of technology.

Creation, Fall, Redemption & Restoration

In this course module, we learned about copyright laws, what constitutes plagiarism, and the proper ways to reference sources, a knowledge base that can be guided by biblical principles and used for God’s glory.

Creation:

Our exploration of computing is grounded in acknowledging God as the Creator of all. God, in His wisdom, has granted man the ability to create and invent. The concept of copyrights echoes the biblical theme of creation, in that it upholds the attribution of originality to the rightful creators. Just as we give reverence to God for His magnificent creation, copyright laws honor and protect the creative rights of individuals, by ensuring their ideas are not stolen or misused.

Fall:

In a similar vein, plagiarism is symbolic of mankind’s fall. Misrepresentation and deceit are products of sin, the disastrous consequence of mankind's rebellion against God’s holy commandments (Romans 3:23). Plagiarism and violation of copyrights are contemporary manifestations of this age-old problem.

Redemption:

The Scriptures call us to repentance, to turn away from sin and seek God's mercy and grace (Acts 3:19). Learning to correctly reference a book source or an online source is this principle of redemption, applied in our academic and professional lives. By referencing sources rightfully, we recognize others' work and avoid deception, promoting truthfulness and integrity, echoing Proverbs 11:3, “The integrity of the upright guides them.”

Restoration:

The eventual goal is the restoration of God's creation to its original purpose - for it to glorify God and usher harmony among mankind. When we respect copyright laws and avoid plagiarism, we contribute to this biblical theme. We allow the free flow of ideas while maintaining individual creativity, which could lead to technological advancements and societal improvements.

Overall, by practicing fair use and avoiding plagiarism, we align ourselves with God’s intent for His creation - to use our skills and understanding for the good of mankind, demonstrating respect and integrity in our scholarly and professional pursuits. Furthermore, we honor God in our work, recognizing Him as the source of all wisdom and creativity. This too echoes Colossians 3:23; "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

In conclusion, the Judeo-Christian principles of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, provide a comprehensive and moral framework for understanding and practicing copyright laws and fair referencing in the realm of computing. In seeking to apply these principles, we strive to honor God and utilize technology for the betterment of humanity.

Conclusion:

This module on Copyright and Plagiarism has provided us with vital knowledge and skills that are essential in today's digital world. Understanding copyright laws, avoiding plagiarism, and properly referencing sources are not only legal obligations but also ethical responsibilities. By respecting intellectual property rights, we contribute to the growth of creativity, innovation, and academic integrity.

Through this module, we learn that copyright laws protect creators' rights and promote a culture of respect for originality. Public domain works, fair use, and proper referencing enable us to navigate the boundaries of using copyrighted material responsibly. Meanwhile, we have also explored the detrimental consequences of plagiarism, including academic penalties and reputational damage, emphasizing the importance of creating authentic and original work.

From a theological perspective, this module aligns with the biblical principles of justice, honesty, and integrity. By respecting copyright laws and avoiding plagiarism, we uphold the commandments of not stealing and giving credit where it is due. The teachings of Jesus Christ encourage us to treat others as we would like to be treated and to be straightforward in our actions, reflecting a Christ-centered ethos of honesty and accountability.

In conclusion, this module equips us with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of copyright and plagiarism responsibly. By honoring intellectual property rights, practicing fair use, and properly referencing sources, we contribute to a society that values originality, acknowledges the work of others, and upholds academic integrity. Let us apply these principles in our academic and professional pursuits, guided by a sense of ethical responsibility and a commitment to honoring God and His creation.