"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." - B.B. King

<aside> 💡 Unit I consists of 10 hours of study over the course of two weeks: Academic Writing week 1 lesson & Academic Writing week 2 lesson.

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Imagine strolling through the vibrant Mercado de Artesanías in Tlaquepaque, surrounded by colorful pottery, intricate textiles, and handcrafted jewelry. Each piece tells a story of creativity, skill, and cultural heritage. When you purchase a unique piece, you acknowledge the artisan's talent and hard work. Similarly, citing sources in your research is a way of acknowledging the intellectual craftsmanship of others who have contributed to the field of knowledge.

What It Means: Citing your sources involves giving credit to the researchers, scholars, and authors whose work you have used to inform your own research. It's a way of saying, "I appreciate your contributions and I'm building upon your knowledge." By citing sources, you create a transparent trail that allows others to trace the origins of your ideas and verify the information you present.

Why It Matters:

• Avoids Plagiarism: The copycat crime in academia and beyond: Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work or ideas without giving them credit. It's a serious offense that can damage your reputation and undermine the integrity of your research. Citing sources helps you avoid plagiarism and maintain your credibility as a researcher. See also UAA language departmental plagiarism policy 2024.
• Shows You've Done Your Homework: Citing sources demonstrates that you've conducted thorough research and are familiar with the existing literature in your field. It shows that you're not just repeating what others have said but are actively engaging with the ideas and building upon them.
• Strengthens Your Arguments: By citing credible sources, you add weight and authority to your own arguments. It's like saying, "I'm not just stating my opinion; I have evidence to back it up."

Real-World Scenario:

Let's say you're researching the impact of bilingual education on students' cognitive development. You come across a groundbreaking study conducted by Dr. Ellen Bialystok, a renowned researcher in the field. You can't simply copy and paste her findings into your paper without giving her credit. That would be like buying a beautiful piece of pottery in Tlaquepaque and claiming you made it yourself! Instead, you would cite Dr. Bialystok's work, acknowledging her contribution to the field and building upon her research.

Action Steps:

1. Maintain a Meticulous Record: As you gather information from various sources, keep a detailed record of everything you use. This includes books, articles, websites, interviews, and even social media posts. Use a citation manager (like Zotero or Mendeley) to organize your sources and generate citations easily.
2. Learn the Language of Citation: Different academic disciplines have different citation styles (such as APA, MLA, or Chicago). Familiarize yourself with the style used in your field and learn the proper format for citing different types of sources.
3. Cite as You Go: Don't wait until the end of your research to start citing. Make it a habit to cite your sources as you write. This will save you time and effort in the long run and ensure that you don't accidentally plagiarize.
4. Avoid Plagiarism: Crafting Your Unique Voice

Imagine you're at a lively fiesta in Oaxaca, surrounded by the sounds of traditional music, the aroma of delicious food, and the vibrant colors of local textiles. Each region of Mexico has its own unique cultural identity, expressed through its art, music, and cuisine. Similarly, in the research world, each researcher brings their own unique perspective and voice to the table. Plagiarism is like stealing someone else's cultural identity – it's a form of intellectual theft that robs both the original creator and the audience of the authentic experience.

What It Means: Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's words or ideas without giving them credit. It's like copying a friend's homework or downloading a pirated movie. It's not only unethical, but it also hinders your own learning and development.

Why It Matters:

• Respect Intellectual Property: Just as you would respect the copyright of a musician or the trademark of a local artisan, you need to respect the intellectual property of researchers and scholars. Their work is the result of years of study, effort, and creativity.
• Develop Your Own Voice: When you put information into your own words, you not only avoid plagiarism but also deepen your understanding of the topic. It's like learning a traditional dance – you can't truly master it until you add your own personal flair.