Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 14 April
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
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, 3 ESSAYS ON ALL TOPICS PROVIDED
TOPIC 1
Promoting Academic Integrity: The Role of a Compulsory Integrity Module
in Higher Education
The increasing prevalence of academic dishonesty in higher education has led
institutions like the University of South Africa (UNISA) to introduce compulsory
modules on integrity in education. This initiative is a response to the growing
concerns surrounding plagiarism, cheating, and unethical conduct among
students. The introduction of such a module aims to instill ethical values in
students, ensuring that they uphold honesty and integrity throughout their
academic journey and beyond. However, while this initiative has numerous
benefits, it also presents certain challenges that must be addressed. This essay
explores the advantages and disadvantages of a compulsory integrity module in
higher education, highlighting its impact on students, institutions, and the broader
academic community.
Advantages of a Compulsory Integrity Module
One of the primary benefits of an integrity module is that it promotes ethical
awareness among students. Many cases of academic dishonesty arise due to a
lack of understanding of what constitutes unethical behavior. By incorporating
integrity education into the curriculum, students gain knowledge about plagiarism,
proper citation methods, and the consequences of dishonesty. For example,
studies have shown that students who undergo training on plagiarism detection
tools and citation techniques are less likely to engage in academic misconduct
(McCabe, Butterfield & Treviño, 2012). This indicates that awareness and
education play a crucial role in preventing unethical practices.
Another significant advantage is that it enhances the credibility of academic
qualifications. Universities are responsible for producing graduates who are not
only knowledgeable but also uphold ethical standards in their respective fields. A
compulsory integrity module reinforces the idea that academic success should be
based on merit rather than dishonest means. Employers and institutions place a
high value on integrity, and students who have completed such a module are
more likely to be regarded as trustworthy professionals. According to Fishman
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