Why is Proper Citation Important?

• When you don’t cite properly, you are claiming someone else’s ideas or work as your own. Whether intentional or accidental, taking credit for someone else’s ideas or work is plagiarism. Plagiarism is a crime: the original author can sue you, or you might have action taken against you by the University (including failing the class).  Philadelphia University's Academic Integrity Policy, which includes the sanctions for academic dishonesty, can  be found in the Student Handbook and at Academic Integrity Policy

• Your list of works cited helps your reader to learn more about your topic by identifying the original sources you used for your research. This is called “citation chasing,” and is a very good way to find the quality material that has been used in the preparation of an outstanding piece of research. Citation chasing is hampered when the author has used incomplete or ill-constructed citations

• Your level of scholarship and knowledge about your topic is reflected in the citations you employ in your writing. In-text citations can reflect support for the point you are trying to make, adding credence to your arguments.

• Finally, citations reflect how deeply you have researched your topic, and are one of the indicators of your effort. It doesn’t hurt to include lots of citations, as long as they are relevant.

• Plagiarism: What it is and How to Recognize and Avoid It
  http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/wts/plagiarism.html

• Information about citation styles for graduate dissertations and theses can be found at

              Guidelines-2008

Guides to Citing Sources  

The Philadelphia University Learning and advising Center in Haggar Hall maintains a current website with information on using the APA, MLA and Chicago citation styles (plus others)  at