Course Title: Work with conflict resolution and mediation processes within justice environments
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2014
Course Code: JUST5722
Course Title: Work with conflict resolution and mediation processes within justice environments
School: 365T Global, Urban & Social Studies
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5315 - Diploma of Justice
Course Contact : Irene Pagliarella, Program Manager
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4581
Course Contact Email:irene.pagliarella@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Rebecca Dimech
E: rebecca.dimech@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 40
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
Successful completion of, or demonstrated equivalence to, the following units of competency:
VU20868 Apply foundation legal principles
VU20869 Work within the criminal justice system
VU20870 Apply writing and presentation skills within a justice environment
VU20871 Support the management of adult offenders within the Victorian correctional framework
PSPOHS401B Implement workplace safety procedures and programs
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
And ONE of the following electives:
VU20867 Support policing processes within justice environment contexts
CHCCHILD401B Identify and respond to children and young people at risk
Course Description
In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to address conflict resolution processes and preparation for mediation requirements across a range of disputes within a range of justice environments.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU20864 Work with conflict resolution and mediation processes within justice environments |
Element: |
1.Develop communication skills required for working in justice environments |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1Principles of effective communication are researched, evaluated for effective application to justice environments, and practised |
Element: |
2.Address conflict resolution and mediation processes within a justice environment |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1Models of conflict resolution are researched and analysed for application to justice environments |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, you will be able to:
• Apply written and oral communication strategies selected for relevance across a range of justice dispute resolution contexts
• Plan for and review conflict resolution and mediation processes within a range of justice contexts
• Provide evidence of knowledge of models and systems of conflict resolution and mediation within the Victorian justice system
• Provide evidence of the knowledge of relevant legislation, provisions regulatory requirements and standards
Details of Learning Activities
You will participate in a variety of learning activities. They include the following:
In class activities:
• Role plays
• Observations
• Demonstrations
• Lectures
• Presentations
• Class discussions
• Oral and written questioning
Out of class activities:
• Readings
• Case studies
• Role plays
• Observations
• Research
Teaching Schedule
Week One: Introduction to subject outline, assessment and teaching schedule
Week Two: Communication in a justice environment
Week Three: Joint session with Cultural Diversity
Week Four: Joint session with Cultural Diversity
Week Five: Non verbal communication
Week Six: Communicating by document
Week Seven: Models of conflict resolution
Week Eight: Mediation models
Week Nine: Self interest in mediation
Week Ten: Assisting a third party in mediation
Week Eleven: Recording results
Week Twelve: After mediation, what next?
Week Thirteen: Moot mediations
Week Fourteen: Moot mediations
Week Fifteen: Moot mediations
Week Sixteen: Final summative test
*The teaching schedule outlined above is subject to change depending on your assimilation of knowledge and skills of the subject matter, and on changes to legislation as well as unforeseen circumstances.
Attendance in this VET Justice Course is to help you develop a self-directed, professional attitude and to maximize your educational vocational opportunities and practical skills. Regular class attendance provides fundamental educational value and offers the most effective means for you to gain knowledge and skills of the concepts of the justice environment. Lack of regular attendance and participation may compromise your performance in the course and achieving the final outcome.
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts for this Unit. Students will be given articles and guides about mediation but are also expected to read more widely. RMIT library has an extensive collection of dispute resolution texts, many of which relate specifically to mediation and the TAFE library staff can assist students to locate useful materials. Any other required readings and case studies will be made available either: |
References
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods including role play, case studies, observations, lectures, tutorials, class discussions, audio-visual presentations, and interaction with individuals and/or groups within the justice industry.
Assessment Tasks
A range of formative assessment tasks will be set throughout the semester. It is expected that the student will prove competent in these assessments, and will be given progressive feedback as to the student’s progress.
In order for students to prove competence in this subject, all assessment tasks must be satisfactorily completed in a timely manner.
Formative Assessments:
A range of role plays on mediation practices and conflict resolution practices with difficult clients
Summative Assessments:
Knowledge test on mediation processes and practices - 50%
Assignemnt on a prescribed topic related to mediation - 50%.
Assessment Matrix
The assessments have been designed to cover all Learning Outcomes and will be graded in accordance with RMIT’s Mark Table which is as follows:
CHD=Competent with High Distinction
CDI=Competent with Distinction
CC=Competent with Credit
CAG=Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC=Not Yet Competent
DNS=Did not Submit for Assessment
Grades which apply to course delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment (not-graded)
CA=Competency Achieved
NYC=Not Yet Competent
DNS=Did Not Submit For Assessment
Other Information
All written work must adhere to the following criteria:
1. Written reports, research projects or essays are to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and familiarity with the prescribed or negotiated topics
2. It is expected that all submitted work will be well written, with clear and consistent grammar, expression and punctuation. It must be well structured and cogently address the issues raised in the chosen topic in a logical, ordered and organised manner
3. The concepts must be well defined and demonstrate a critical analysis of the chosen topic
4. Written submissions must demonstrate appropriate preparation, reading and research
5. In-text references must follow the APA style of referencing. In addition, you must provide a bibliography with correct and comprehensive details in relation to texts, articles, research reports and other sources that you have used
6. Double or 1.5 spacing and a font size of 10-12 must be used in either Arial or Times Roman. Do not submit double paged assessments.
Extensions
In accordance with RMIT policy, you may apply for an extension where there have been unexpected or extenuating circumstances, e.g.
• Hospital admission, serious injury, severe asthma, severe anxiety or depression. This does not include minor illness such as a cold, period pain or hay fever.
• Loss or bereavement – e.g. death of a close family member, family/relationship breakdown.
• Hardship/trauma – e.g. victim of crime, sudden loss of income or employment, severe disruption to domestic arrangements.
You must keep a copy of their assessment until the graded submission has been returned or marks have been posted.
All email communications will be sent to your RMIT student email address.
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
Penalties for Late Submission
If you have not been granted an extension or special consideration, late submission will be penalised as follows:
Assessment tasks submitted after the due date of submission shall receive a penalty of five per cent of the grades available for that assessment per day for each working day late.
No assessment task shall be accepted more than three weeks after the due date.
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:
• You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
• You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
• 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
Students may enter their work into Turnitin, in order to support the originality of their writing and references. The software Turnitin may be used in this course, and can be discussed with your educator, Program Manager and/or downloaded from http://www.turnitin.com
Course Overview: Access Course Overview