Academic+Honesty


 * Academic Honesty in the Foreign Languages**

The primary goal of language study is to acquire the ability to communicate effectively in a foreign language. Acquisition of this ability requires practice and effort. In addition to being contrary to MBS values, academic dishonesty deprives the student of the engagement required to progress in the foreign languages and will not be tolerated.

Consistent with MBS curricular philosophy, collaboration is encouraged and a common occurrence in MBS language classes. However, students also have ample opportunity to learn and progress as individuals, in which case all work produced by the student is to be the result of his or her own unique and personal effort. This is especially applicable to: assignments completed outside of class (e.g. readings, workbook pages, compositions, oral presentations, projects, etc.), and in-class formal assessments (quizzes, tests, etc.). If one is unsure about how to proceed with a given assignment, clarification and assistance should be sought out, in which cases one should be very careful to avoid plagiarism or any form of mindless copying. Both of the former are considered instances of academic dishonesty. The language department puts a strong focus on student abilities and growth through personal effort, which leads to the following understanding of academic dishonesty in the foreign languages: It is unacceptable for a student to submit work that is not a student's own or which represents a significant departure from the student's current level of understanding or ability. For example, if a student submits a written assignment, it is expected that the information and abilities represented therein reflect what the student currently knows. Enhancements of understanding and ability, as apparent in assignments handed in for grading or during a student's contribution to the class, should belong to the student as well as to a given assignment.

Concerning the use of electronic media: As a general rule, **the language department forbids the use of any form of electronic or on-line translation.** Extended prose (whether a single sentence, a paragraph or an entire paper) that has been "electronically" translated from English or into English constitutes both cheating and plagiarism. However, when advised to do so by the teacher, a student may have recourse to such media as long as he or she operates within the parameters set by the teacher for the specific assignment. For example, the consultation of on-line dictionaries is certainly acceptable in many contexts and does not require footnoting. There are also pedagogically sound ways of using on-line translators, ways which not only yield a translation, but which also enhance student understanding. Unless advised otherwise by your teacher, follow the general rule: the use of electronic or on-line means of translation is strictly prohibited.

**Addressing Instances of Academic Dishonesty in Language Classes**

The MBS Family Handbook defines general expectations concerning academic honesty. The handbook also provide specific guidelines concerning academic honesty by department in its "Academic Honesty Guide." The present document addresses the academic consequences in the Language Department for any violation of any policy concerning academic honesty.

Within the Language Department, any violation of any policy concerning academic honesty (departmental or school-wide) will result in a clear academic sanction concerning the blameworthy assignment. The usual consequence will be to assign a non-passing grade for the assignment: typically, a zero. Although not obliged to do so, a teacher may offer a "make-up" assignment, the nature of which should assess the same or similar understanding and abilities as the original assignment; the value of which is to be determined by the teacher in consultation with the department chair.