Course Title: Demonstrate complex written English proficiency in different subjects and cultural contexts

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2017

Course Code: LANG5838C

Course Title: Demonstrate complex written English proficiency in different subjects and cultural contexts

School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6153 - Advanced Diploma of Translating

Course Contact: Bing Lee Teh

Course Contact Phone: +(61 3) 9925 0326

Course Contact Email: binglee.teh@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the skills required to read and write English fluently and accurately, to meet the written language and communication needs of translating special purpose texts. The language competence involves reading, analysing and summarising skills, which can be applied to a range of commercial, professional and literary documents. This unit will be delivered in a cluster as follows:

Translation Cluster (LOTE>ENG) (3 units)

  • LANG5836C Translate special purpose texts from LOTE to English
  • LANG5838C Demonstrate complex written English proficiency in different subjects and cultural contexts
  • COMM5975C Edit texts


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

PSPTIS068 Demonstrate complex written English proficiency in different subjects and cultural contexts

Element:

1. Read and analyse complex documents

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Scan documents and confirm they are complete and legible.
1.2 Read documents and identify explicit and implicit information,
ideas, technical information and writer intent.
1.3 Interpret any accompanying visual and graphics material.
1.4 Identify the culturally specific meaning contained in documents.

Element:

2. Provide summaries of complex written documents

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Capture and convey information and nuances of meaning in
summaries of complex written documents, taking into
consideration cultural differences and idiolects.
2.2 Provide any additional explanation or comments to clarify
meaning and culturally specific details.

Element:

3. Write professional and commercial documents

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Produce written documents in English, according to recognised
conventions, standards and formats.
3.2 Use standard communication and information management
technology.
3.3 Ensure content of documents is appropriate to audience and
purpose.
3.4 Develop ideas in appropriate depth to meet the requirements of
the particular subject and cultural context.
3.5 Tailor language to meet requirements of the situation, observing
written English social and cultural conventions.
3.6 Draft and edit documents to minimise errors so that intended
meaning is clearly conveyed.


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

This is where skills and knowledge learned in other units are applied to produce a professional-level translation that will meet the industry expectations. As such, the learning activities in this unit include simulated translation tasks to provide opportunities to practice elements in this unit by applying skills and knowledge covered in this unit as well as other units.The activities are undertaken in and outside of translation labs / classrooms, and involve the use of word processing and terminology management and typesetting technologies. Computer literacy and typing skills in LOTE is essential.

There is strong emphasis on self-learning and peer-review as well as industry feedback by teachers who are practising translators and have NAATI accreditation at this level.
Students are encouraged to practice their skills in self-study lab sessions supervised by program staff and work systematically on the feedback they receive from instructors and peers.


Teaching Schedule

 

Class

Units

Elements

Recommended Topics

Other events

Class 1-12

 

LANG5836C

LANG5838C

COMM5975

LANG5836C

1.    Analyse special purpose source texts

2.    Translate LOTE source texts to draft texts in English

3.    Check draft translations

4.    Revise translations

5.    Finalise and evaluate translations

LANG5838C

1.      Read and analyse complex documents

2.      Provide summaries of complex written documents      

3.      Write professional and commercial documents

COMM5975

1.      Prepare to edit written content

2.      Enhance clarity of written communication

3.      Finalise editing process

·         Welfare and Social Issues

·         Education

·         Health

·         Medical

·         Legal

·         Immigration

·         Environment

·         Science and Technology

·         Australian Issues

·         Politics

·         Industrial Relations

·         Business

·         Trade

·         Finance

·         Insurance

AT1 (Week 3-12)

AT2 (Week 5)

AT3 (Week 6-7)

AT4 (Week 9)

 

13 - 15

LANG5836C

 

 

 

AT5 (Week 13-14 )

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

RMIT Study Guide for Accreditation Unit


References


Other Resources

Learning Resources
The University Library provides extensive services, facilities and study space as well as comprehensive collections of books, periodicals and other course related materials, such as DVD’s, magazines, slides, films etc. Computer laboratories with access to a wide range of desktop publishing software are also available. The library also has an expanding virtual collection of electronic resources and networks, including product data, e-books, electronic journals and newspapers, web based tutorials, online reference and document delivery services etc., all of which are accessible on campus, and off campus 24 hours per day. More information on library resources and services can be found at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library
If you need additional support, visit RMIT’s Learning Lab, either in person or online: http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/


Overview of Assessment

Assessment  and feedback will be ongoing during the semester. Assessments tasks may include, but not limited to, :

- translation projects

- peer reviewed practical tasks

- real or simulated translation assignments

- practical demonstrations/assignments in which theories and strategies are applied


Assessment Tasks

Assessments

Students must complete all 5 assessment tasks (AT) and achieve a ‘Competent’ for AT1, 2, 3, 4 and ‘CAG’ or above for AT5.

Assessment

Due

Type

Competent Criteria

AT1

 

Week 3, 6, 9, 12

Practice Translation Practice + Self-reflection (by completion)

Produce 2 translated passages every week (week 3 - 12).

 

Review your own translation against the sample translation and complete a self-reflection template provided on Blackboard. Submission of AT1 (your 2 translated passages & self-reflection) is via electronic upload to a designated repository.

 

Submission schedule:

- Week 3 - Due end of week 3

- Week 4, 5, 6 - Due end of week 6

- Week 7, 8, 9 - Due end of week 9

- Week 10, 11, 12 - Due end of week 12

 

All Week 3 submissions will be assessed by the tutor and individual feedback will be provided. You are required to edit and finalise the translation referring to the feedback provided, and upload the finalised version via electronic means to a designated repository.

Week 4-12 submissions will be randomly selected, assessed and individual feedback will be provided to the respective students. 

 

Submission of this assessment must be accompanied by a completed cover sheet for Submission of work for Assessment downloadable via http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s1llva641yxuz.pdf

AT2

Week 5

Producing summary of complex written documents

 

Provide a summary of given complex document in ENG (approx. 1000 words).

Please upload the finalised version via electronic means to a designated repository.

AT3

 

Week 6 or 7

Translation of Special Purpose Texts (by completion) + Editing and finalising translation

 

Part I: Translate into ENG two 250-word special purpose texts out of three passages. The assessment will be conducted in a computer lab setting. You are required to complete the assessment within 2.5 hours.

 

Part II: You will be given feedback on your translation and will be asked to work through the feedback, review and finalise your translation. You are required to upload the finalised version via electronic means to a designated repository.

AT4

Week 9

Producing summary of complex written documents

Writing professional and commercial documents

Produce a professional and commercial document in ENG for specific target readers(approx. 500 words)

Provide a summary of the ENG complex document that you produced (approx. 50-75 words).

 

Please upload the finalised professional and commercial document and its summary via electronic means to a designated repository.

 

AT5

 

Week 13, 14

Translation of Special Purpose Texts (graded task)

Translate into ENG two 250-word special purpose texts out of three passages. The assessment will be conducted in a computer lab setting. You are required to complete the assessment within 2.5 hours.

 

This is a graded task and will be used for NAATI recommendation. The actual exam date and time will be announced by the program.

 

Each passage is marked out of 45; full marks are 90. Those who achieve the following and passed all other units in other clusters are eligible for NAATI Professional Translator accreditation.

- min. 29 marks out of 45 for each passage

- total 63 marks out of 90 for both passages (i.e. 70%)within 2.5 hours.

 

Note for AT3 and AT5

 

Assessment Task 3 (Part A only) and Assessment Task 5 will be administered under NAATI exam conditions and be graded by instructor against RMIT performance descriptors and NAATI accreditation exam standards (reflecting industry standards and expectations). A copy of the NAATI accreditation exam marking sheet and RMIT performance descriptors are available in the Essential Program Information that you received at the start of the semester. It is important that you familiarise yourself with the marking standards and performance descriptors early into your studies, and seek clarifications from your instructors and program coordinators if you are unsure about them in any aspects.

 


 

GRADING INFORMATION

A student must undertake and complete ALL assessment tasks satisfactorily in this unit to achieve CAG (Competency Achieved Graded) result for academic qualification. The graded result for AT4 will be used for NAATI recommendation when a student achieves a minimum of 29 marks out of 45 for each passage, and 63 marks out of 90 (i.e. 70%) for the two required passages, which are graded according to the marking guidelines that you have been given a copy of, in the Essential Program Information at the beginning of the semester and also having passed all other units in other clusters.

This unit will be graded as follows, using the percentage result (not the number result) from AT4:

CHD (80%+): Competency with High Distinction

CDI (70-79%): Competency with Distinction (Minimum result for NAATI accreditation)

CC (60-69%): Competency with Credit

CAG (50-59%): Competency Achieved (minimum result for academic qualification)

NYC (0-49%): Not Yet Competent

DNS: Did Not Submit for assessment


Assessment Matrix

Matrix

LANG5836C (PSPTIS063)

ELEMENTS

ASSESSMENT TASK 1

ASSESSMENT TASK 2

ASSESSMENT TASK 3

ASSESSMENT TASK 4

ASSESSMENT TASK 5

Analyse special purpose source texts

X

X

X

-

X

Translate English source texts to draft texts in LOTE

X

-

X

-

X

Check draft translations

X

-

X

-

X

Revise translations

X

-

X

-

X

Finalise and evaluate translations

X

-

X

-

X

 

LANG5838C(PSPTIS068)

ELEMENTS

ASSESSMENT TASK 1

ASSESSMENT TASK 2

ASSESSMENT TASK 3

ASSESSMENT TASK 4

ASSESSMENT TASK 5

Read and analyse complex documents

X

X

X

X

X

Provide summaries of complex written documents     

-

X

-

X

-

Write professional and commercial documents

-

-

X

X

X

 

COMM5975C (CUFWRT401A )

ELEMENTS

ASSESSMENT TASK 1

ASSESSMENT TASK 2

ASSESSMENT TASK 3

ASSESSMENT TASK 4

ASSESSMENT TASK 5

Prepare to edit written content

X

-

X

-

X

Enhance clarity of written communication

X

-

X

-

X

Finalise editing process

X

-

X

-

-

 

Other Information

Applying for an Extension Extension of time for assessment tasks may be granted where circumstances beyond your control prevent submission by the published due date. An application for extension of time must be lodged with your tutor or the course coordinator as early as possible, and no later than one working day before the due date for submission.
You can apply for extension using the University’s Extension Application Form – http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf – or by emailing your course coordinator or tutor directly.
An extension of up to seven calendar days may be granted if good reason can be demonstrated. Include supporting evidence (such as medical certificates) with your application.
Extensions beyond seven calendar days cannot be granted by course coordinators, tutors or the School. To apply for an extension of time greater than seven calendar days you must lodge an application for Special Consideration.

Applying for Special Consideration
If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

 No assessment task shall be accepted after the due date without special consideration.

Assessment Appeals
If you believe your assessment result or final result is wrong please contact the course coordinator and provide the reason why you think your result is incorrect. Valid reasons for seeking a review of results include:
a) You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
b) You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
c) You believe the assessment did not comply with University Policies on Assessment (i.e. an error in process has occurred).
Full details of the procedure (including appeals procedure) can be located at this RMIT site: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment

Academic Integrity
Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.
If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/info-trek/referencing

Plagiarism and Collusion
Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.
Examples of plagiarism include:
* Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
* Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
* Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
* Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
* Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
* Copying a whole or any part of another student’s work; and
* Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
* Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.

For further information, please see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy – http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sg4yfqzod48g1 – and the RMIT Student Discipline Statute and Regulations - http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=11jgnnjgg70y

Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview