Reflect on the topic of GCU Code of Conduct and Academic Standards and in 400-500 words address the following prompts in four paragraphs:
1. Review the Code of Conduct and Academic Standards in the university policy handbook. Go to https://www.gcu.edu/academics/academic-policies.php#h-university-policy-handbook and click on the University Policy Handbook link. Find the Code of Conduct and Academic Standards section. In your own words, explain one academic integrity violation, other than plagiarism, and one code of conduct violation. Give a specific example of what the two identified violations could be and describe why these standards are in place.
2. The academic integrity section discusses academic dishonesty. One area of dishonesty is plagiarism. Define plagiarism in your own words and explain why you think students plagiarize?
3. Describe how students can avoid academic dishonesty in group work or as an individual?
4. How do you hold yourself and your peers accountable to the GCU Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity standards?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
GCU Code of Conduct and Academic Standards
Introduction
As a registered student at Grand Canyon University (GCU), it is crucial to be familiar with the university’s Code of Conduct and Academic Standards. Failure to comply with these policies can have serious consequences, including impacting your enrollment and graduation from GCU. In this essay, we will explore various aspects of the Code of Conduct and Academic Standards, including academic integrity violations, the issue of plagiarism, ways to avoid academic dishonesty, and the importance of holding ourselves and our peers accountable to these standards.
Academic Integrity Violations
Apart from plagiarism, one common academic integrity violation is cheating during exams or assignments. For instance, using unauthorized materials or devices during an exam or copying answers from someone else’s work without proper citation would be considered cheating. Another violation of the Code of Conduct can involve disruptive behavior, such as creating a disturbance during lectures or engaging in disrespectful behavior towards professors or fellow students. These standards are in place to ensure fairness, honesty, and a conducive learning environment within the university community.
Plagiarism and its Causes
Plagiarism refers to the act of using someone else’s ideas, words, or work without giving them proper credit. It is a serious offense that undermines the integrity of scholarship and academic achievement. Students may engage in plagiarism due to various reasons, including time constraints, lack of understanding about proper citation methods, or a desire for higher grades without putting in the necessary effort. Some students may also succumb to the temptation of taking shortcuts, especially when they feel overwhelmed by academic pressure.
Avoiding Academic Dishonesty
To avoid academic dishonesty in group work or as an individual, there are several strategies that students can employ. Firstly, students should prioritize time management and plan their assignments and projects well in advance. This allows for sufficient time to conduct research and properly cite sources, reducing the risk of unintentional plagiarism. Secondly, maintaining open communication within group projects is essential. Establishing clear expectations, dividing tasks equitably, and holding regular meetings can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that each member contributes appropriately. Lastly, seeking help from professors or academic support services when facing difficulties can prevent students from resorting to dishonest practices.
Accountability to the Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Standards
Holding oneself and peers accountable to the GCU Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity standards is crucial for maintaining a high level of ethical behavior within the university community. Personally, I hold myself accountable by consistently adhering to the principles of honesty, fairness, and respect while completing assignments and engaging in academic activities. Whenever I come across a challenging task or question, I make sure to seek clarification rather than resorting to dishonest practices. Additionally, I encourage my peers to uphold these standards by discussing the importance of academic integrity and offering support when they face difficulties in their studies.
In conclusion, the GCU Code of Conduct and Academic Standards play a vital role in ensuring a fair and ethical learning environment. By understanding and following these policies, students can avoid academic integrity violations such as cheating and disruptive behavior. Plagiarism, one of the most common forms of academic dishonesty, can be prevented through proper time management, effective communication within group work, and seeking assistance when needed. By holding ourselves accountable and encouraging our peers to do the same, we contribute to upholding the integrity of GCU’s academic community and pave the way for our own personal growth and success.
