DIY: Get Permission!

  • Due No Due Date
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Let's see if we can secure permission to use some portion of a work.

Locate a passage of a copyrighted work that you could repurpose for some educational use.  Some examples would be:

(Excerpt only)

  • Use in a paragraph structure activity
  • Use in a logical fallacies activity (though the copyright holder might not like to be presented in this way--be clear in your inquiry)
  • Use in an analysis of a brief argument
  • Use as a sample text

(Excerpt and modification)

  • Use in an activity for matching evidence to reasoning
  • Use as a paragraph puzzle/scramble (sentences or passages are shuffled so that the student can put it back together--an example of this is provided in the next module)

There are surely other potential applications as well.  Be creative!

Once you've determined what you want to use and how, follow these steps:

  1. Determine the method of pursuing copyright clearance preferred by the owner.  Is there a form online?  Do you need to contact the publisher via email or phone?
  2. Send your inquiry, using the language provided by WikiEducator Links to an external site.or something comparable.  Remember that even if you have worked out the terms of use on the phone, you need to follow up with a written agreement.  Also remember to be as specific as possible and to be sure that what you're proposing is what you are going to do.
     Links to an external site.
  3. Receive the response.  If you are not permitted to use the material, you may choose to try again but adjust your proposal to make it more appealing to the owner.  Alternatively, you may need to find something else.  If you are granted permission (and what a great feeling it is!), then move on to four.
  4. Print the inquiry and response and keep the hard copies in a folder (and remember where you put the folder).
  5. Use the work according to the agreement.
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