Course Title: Prepare and produce complex legal documents
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2014
Course Code: JUST5176C
Course Title: Prepare and produce complex legal documents
School: 650T TAFE Business
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6106 - Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice
Course Contact : Doug Gourlay
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5944
Course Contact Email:doug.gourlay@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teacher : Inna Kazakevich
Contact Email: inna.kazakevich@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 80
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 performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use either a range of advanced functions within at least one software package or to integrate functions from at least two software packages, to produce complex legal documents.
All aspects of legal practice may be subject to a range of legislation, rules, regulations and/or codes of practice relevant to different job roles and jurisdictions.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
BSBLEG401A Prepare and produce complex legal documents |
Element: |
1 Establish document design and structure |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify requirements of the task |
Element: |
2 Develop precedents and macros for document design |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Develop and use precedents and macros to ensure consistency of design and layout |
Element: |
3 Organise self or others to produce documents |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Prepare documents using appropriate and available precedent documents according to firm’s policies and procedures |
Element: |
4 Organise self or others to print documents |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Print documents as required |
Element: |
5 Save file and exit system |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Save and store document in appropriate directory or folder |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
A range of learning experiences are planned for this course including class and online activities relevant to prepare and produce complex legal documents.
Teaching Schedule
This course is clustered with OFFC5196C Develop keyboarding speed and accuracy (BSBITU307A) course.
Prior to training commencement a program level induction session will be conducted that comprises the following:
• Program overview and requirements
• MyRMIT/Blackboard
• Overview of assessment requirements
• Pre-Training Review including:
o Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers
o Assessment of current skills and knowledge
• Competency/Grading Criteria
• Plagiarism
• Appeals
• Extensions
• Feedback
• Privacy
• Submission requirements
• Resubmission policy
• Where to get support
• Student responsibilities
The nominal hours associated with this course are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete the course. This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Week |
Date |
Topics |
Assessment Tasks |
Competencies Delivered |
| 1 |
7th July
9th July |
1. Introduction to the Course including: 2. Codes of Practice; 3. Formatting legal documents; 1.Topic 1 – Working With Styles |
Assessment 1 ( Co-assessed with OFFC5196C Keyboarding speed and accuracy ) |
JUST5176C Prepare and produce complex legal documents (BSBLEG401A) |
| 2 |
14th July
16th July |
1. Topic 2 Working with templates
1. Topic 1 and Topic 2 - revision 2. Learn typing using Typing Master program |
Assessment: Portfolio Portfolio 1 |
JUST5176C Prepare and produce complex legal documents (BSBLEG401A) |
| 3 |
21st July
23rd July |
1.Topic 3 Automating templates 1.Topic 4 Extending your table skills |
|
JUST5176C Prepare and produce complex legal documents (BSBLEG401A) |
| 4 |
28th July
30th July |
1.Topic 4 Extending your table skills ( continue) 1. Topic 1 and Topic 2 - revision 2. Learn typing using Typing Master program |
Assessment: Portfolio Portfolio 2 Complete and submit to Blackboard |
JUST5176C Prepare and produce complex legal documents (BSBLEG401A) |
| 5 |
4th Aug
6th Aug |
1. Topic 5 Creating newsletter layouts
|
JUST5176C Prepare and produce complex legal documents (BSBLEG401A) |
|
| 6 |
11th Aug
13th Aug |
1. Topic 6 Working with long documents ( continue)
2. Learn typing using Typing Master program |
Assessment Portfolio Portfolio 3 |
JUST5176C Prepare and produce complex legal documents (BSBLEG401A) |
| 7 |
18th Aug
20th Aug |
1.Topic 7 Complex mail merge
1. Topic 7 Complex mail merge
|
JUST5176C Prepare and produce complex legal documents (BSBLEG401A) |
|
| 8 |
25th Aug
27th Aug |
1.Topic 7 revision 2. Learn typing using Typing Master program
1.Topic 8 Automating repetitive tasks 2. Learn typing using Typing Master program
|
Assessment Portfolio Portfolio 4 |
JUST5176C Prepare and produce complex legal documents (BSBLEG401A) |
| 1/9 - 7/9 - Semester break | ||||
| 9 |
8th Sep
|
1.Topic 9 Designing Forms
|
Speed Test - typing skills and accuracy | JUST5176C Prepare and produce complex legal documents (BSBLEG401A) |
10th Sep |
1.Topic 9 Designing Forms( continue)
|
Speed Test - typing skills and accuracy |
JUST5176C Prepare and produce complex legal documents (BSBLEG401A) |
|
| 10 | 15th Sep |
1. Topic 8 & Topic 9 revision 2.Typing Master program ( trial test) |
Assessment Portfolio Portfolio 5 |
JUST5176C Prepare and produce complex legal documents (BSBLEG401A) |
| 17th Sep |
Authentication and catch up Typing Master program ( trial test) |
Speed Test - typing skills and accuracy |
JUST5176C Prepare and produce complex legal documents (BSBLEG401A) |
|
Week 11,12,13,14 - portfolio tasks correction and resubmission | ||||
| 15 | 20th & 22nd Oct |
Submit printed portfolio documents All elements of competency – assessment resubmission
|
Speed Test - typing skills and accuracy |
JUST5176C Prepare and produce complex legal documents (BSBLEG401A) |
| 16 | 27th & 29th Oct | Authentication and catch up Feedback |
|
|
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
The Tilde Group, Be Competent in Complex Legal Documents Microsoft Word 2010, Tilde Publishing |
9780734607867 |
References
Other Resources
It is recommended that you have access to a mobile computing device to allow greater flexibility in terms of where you can work on campus outside class times.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of the requirements in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks, for example:
• assessment of examples of legal documents drafted by the candidate
• review of evaluated and amended templates and macros
• review of printed documents
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of accepted codes of practice relevant to the workplace
• review of design and structure of documents
• evaluation of filed and stored discs/data.knowledge of software applications
Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.
Assessment Tasks
To be deemed competent in this course the following evidence is essential:
• ensuring that confidentiality and security of information is maintained
• producing and presenting accurate documents which conform to specified standards within agreed time lines
• using advanced functions within at least one software package or integrating functions from at least two software packages, in document production
• knowledge of relevant legislation, rules, regulations, codes of practice and research resources.
This course has 3 assessment tasks and you must successfully complete all of them in order to be deemed competent.
Assessment Task 1
Due Date: 9th July
Submission Procedure: submit to teacher
This assessment covers researching Internet for terms using in legal documents.
Assessment Task -Portfolio
Portfolio 1
Due Date: 16th July
Submission Procedure: submit files to Blackboard
This portfolio covers working with MS Office Styles, creating templates relevant for legal practice workplace and demonstrating competencies in the following areas:
1 . Establish document design and structure
3 . Organise self or others to produce documents
4 . Organise self or others to print documents
5 . Save file and exit system
Portfolio 2
Due Date: 30th July
Submission Procedure: submit files to Blackboard
This portfolio covers automating templates and working with tables to produce documents relevant for legal practice workplace and demonstrating competencies in the following areas:
1 . Establish document design and structure
3 . Organise self or others to produce documents
4 . Organise self or others to print documents
5 . Save file and exit system
Portfolio 3
Due Date: 13 Aug
Submission Procedure: submit files to Blackboard
This portfolio covers creating long documents and demonstration competencies in the following areas:
1 . Establish document design and structure
3 . Organise self or others to produce documents
4 . Organise self or others to print documents
5 . Save file and exit system
Portfolio 4
Due Date: 25 Aug
Submission Procedure: submit files to Blackboard
This portfolio covers advanced mail merge procedures and demonstration competencies in the following areas:
1 . Establish document design and structure
2 . Develop precedents and macros for document design
3 . Organise self or others to produce documents
4 . Organise self or others to print documents
5 . Save file and exit system
Portfolio 5
Due Date: 17 Sep
Submission Procedure: submit files to Blackboard
This portfolio covers automating repetitive task in designing and producing forms and demonstrating competencies in the following areas:
1 . Establish document design and structure
2 . Develop precedents and macros for document design
3 . Organise self or others to produce documents
4 . Organise self or others to print documents
5 . Save file and exit system
Feedback
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.
You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.
Assessment Matrix
Marking Guide (Competency):
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is based on current industry needs and the focus on preparing you for the workplace. Because VET courses are informed by practical application of knowledge and skills, they are based on a system known as ‘competency based training’ (CBT). So when you are assessed in VET it is about whether you are competent to do the job, as well as having a firm grasp on the knowledge and skills required to do that job, as opposed to traditional curriculum based education settings that are often based on knowledge retention.
You need to demonstrate you are competent in each element of the unit of competency you are studying.
You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you whether you are competent or not and how well you are performing. Once competent in all elements of the unit you receive a competency grading.
Please refer to the Final Grades table below.
Marking Guide (Grading)
After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit; this gives you the opportunity to have the level of your performance formally recognized against industry standards and employability skills.
Final Grades table:
| 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 |
Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.
Other Information
Submission Requirements
You should:
• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date:
• If your performance in the assessment is affected by unexpected circumstances, you should consider applying for extensions of time. (Please refer to the information in the Late Submission Procedure section below)
• If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program manager or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
• Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks (hard copy and soft copy).
• When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration
and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for
assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for
assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of work for assessment is available on
Blackboard.
• Each page of your assessment should include a footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment,
unit code and title and page numbers.
The grading is according to the following criteria:
1. LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE, INITIATIVE, ENTERPRISE AND PERFORMANCE OF WORK TASK
We are looking for a high level of ability to complete all tasks independently as per the specifications as well as
demonstrating a high level of initiative in your approach to prepare and produce complex legal documents.
2. DEMONSTRATED BREADTH OF UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND A WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE
LEARNING
We are looking for depth of understanding of the key concepts and knowledge required in analysing and presenting research information. You should be
able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of all applicable performance criteria in all the assessment tasks.
3. TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND PROBLEM SOLVING
We are looking for appropriate use of technology to assist in presenting all tasks clearly and suitable for the intended
audience. You also need to show an understanding of the kinds of problems that can arise in preparing and producing complex legal documents and
how these might be addressed.
4. WORK ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND SELF MANAGEMENT
We expect to see students organise and plan their work schedule effectively and be able to self manage their time
both in-class and when undertaking self-directed learning. We also expect the timely completion and submission of all
required assessment tasks.
5. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE NETWORKING, LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND TEAMWORK
We expect to see contributions to relevant discussions during scheduled sessions. In addition your tasks should
demonstrate a very good understanding of the elements of preparing and producing complex legal documents.
Late Submission Procedures
If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time, by circumstances outside your control, you must apply in advance for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.
More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf
Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration. Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination.
More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes1.pdf
Resubmissions (VET Programs):
If you are found to be Not Yet Competent in a Course Assessment Task you will be allowed one resubmission only. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. The highest grade you will receive if your resubmission is successful is “CAG”.
If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.
Adjustments to Assessment
In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website:
More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kehn9bz22r41
Course Overview: Access Course Overview