Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - EDUC 388 D100

Special Topics

Perspectives on Academic Integrity

Class Number: 6124

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores major issues of present concern. Subjects to be taught and the exact assignment of units and prerequisites will be announced prior to the beginning of each term. Course may be given on a pass/fail basis. A maximum of 12 units in education special topics courses may be used toward a bachelor of education degree or a bachelor of general studies (EDUC) degree. Variable units: 2, 3, 4, 6.

COURSE DETAILS:

In the 21st century, issues relating to academic integrity have become a passionate concern of educators, administrators, parents, and students, especially in the COVID era of online learning and the sudden appearance of chatGPT. Scandals abound, and reports that cheating is on the rise at every level are rampant. How are we supposed to teach in this environment?

 

This course examines academic integrity in theory and practice, looking at it from an interdisciplinary perspective. Through readings, case studies, and self-reflective assignments, the course will explore academic integrity in policy, practice, and theory across contexts and education levels (elementary through higher education).

 

Assuming a posture of inquiry, we will ask how academic integrity is conceptualized and put in to practice by students, educators, and policymakers, as well as how academic dishonesty is practiced, understood, and dealt with by these stakeholders. Especially in an age of widespread online and distance education and the rise of generative AI, this course will engage in important discussions about how to cultivate academic integrity and how to better understand breaches of it.

 

This course is intended to introduce and explore issues related to academic integrity in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education, looking at student, educator, and policy perspectives. These issues include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Cultural and philosophical influences on academic integrity
  • Effects of curriculum and instruction on academic integrity
  • Academic integrity policies and laws 
  • Plagiarism, source use, and academic literacy
  • Student collaboration
  • Cheating behaviors and student motivation to cheat
  • Contract cheating, ghostwriting, and private supplementary education

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Through this course, you will:

  • become familiar with current issues in academic integrity policy, practice, and theory across contexts and education levels (elementary through higher education)
  • analyze and make judgments about cases of academic dishonesty
  • develop your own personal philosophy of academic integrity from the perspective of student, educator, and/or policymaker

Grading

  • Active learning 10%
  • Quiz and cheating reflection 15%
  • Group case study 20%
  • Case reflections 20%
  • Final paper 35%

NOTES:

Laptops may occasionally be needed for in-class writing activities and group work.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Eaton, S.E. (Ed.). (2020). Handbook of academic integrity. Springer. We will be using the “living reference work” edition of the Handbook of Academic Integrity, which includes chapters from the first edition and second edition. You can access it here and it should be accessible as long as you are signed in to the SFU library: https://link.springer.com/referencework/10.1007/978-981-287-079-7

Heng Hartse, J. (2023). TL;DR: A Very Brief Guide to Reading and Writing in University. UBC  Press/On Campus Books. 

 

This book contains pretty much everything I believe about academic writing at the university level, though it is written for more of a “beginner” audience. I may refer to it from time to time or you can use it on your own if you wish. It’s available as a free, downloadable Open Access PDF from the publisher here: https://www.ubcpress.ca/tldr-download 

 

 Additional readings made available via Canvas

 


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.