Why should I cite my sources?

It is important to acknowledge the work and ideas of others referred to in your assignment or that have influenced your thoughts. You should always cite sources when you refer to someone else's words or ideas, whether found in books, articles, speeches, interviews, movies or websites.

Citing your sources:

• Helps you avoid plagiarism by acknowledging sources.
• Provides enough details for the reader to track down the original source.
• Adds credibility to your statements, opinions and ideas.
• Demonstrates the breadth and depth of the research you have done.

Plagiarism

If you use someone else's work without citing it properly, you are committing plagiarism. This is the most common academic offence at Concordia University. Under the Academic Code of Conduct, plagiarism is defined as "the presentation of the work of another person, in whatever, form, as one's own or without proper acknowledgement" (Article 19a).

To learn more, visit Concordia's Academic Integrity website.