Course Title: Write complex documents

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2013

Course Code: OFFC5208C

Course Title: Write complex documents

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6106 - Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice

Course Contact : Robyn Lang

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925-1565

Course Contact Email:robyn.lang@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Tina Popa
Email:  tina.popa@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 50

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 plan documents, draft text, prepare final text and produce documents of some complexity


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBWRT401A Write complex documents

Element:

1. Plan documents

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Determine the purposes of documents
1.2. Choose appropriate formats for documents
1.3. Establish means of communication
1.4. Determine requirements of documents
1.5. Determine categories and logical sequences of data, information and knowledge to achieve document objectives
1.6. Develop overview of structure and content of documents

Element:

2. Draft text

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Review and organise available data, information and knowledge according to proposed structure and content
2.2. Ensure data, information and knowledge is aggregated, interpreted and summarised to prepare text that satisfies document purposes and objectives
2.3. Include graphics as appropriate
2.4. Identify gaps in required data and information, and collect additional material from relevant enterprise personnel
2.5. Draft text according to document requirements and genre
2.6. Use language appropriate to the audience

Element:

3. Prepare final text

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Review draft text to ensure document objectives are achieved and requirements are met
3.2. Check grammar, spelling and style for accuracy and punctuation
3.3. Ensure draft text is approved by relevant enterprise personnel
3.4. Process text amendments as required

Element:

4. Produce document

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Choose basic design elements for documents appropriate to audience and purpose
4.2. Use word processing software to apply basic design elements to text
4.3. Check documents to ensure all requirements are met


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Classes of 3 hours per week for 10 weeks as per the teaching schedule. The nominal hours associated with this 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.
The week by week classes as per the teaching schedule below and assessments, including due dates, are subject to variation. Class teachers will to keep as close as practicable to that set out in this Part B Statement.

Course requirements: students consult timetable and are expected to attend all scheduled classes
Course support documents: see RMIT Blackboard
Student Induction: conducted prior to commencement of classes or during the first class and will cover the following: Blackboard, Overview of assessment requirements including Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers, Grading, Plagiarism, Appeals,Extensions,Feedback,Privacy, Submission requirements, Resubmission policy, Where to get support, Student responsibilities
 


Teaching Schedule

<thead> <th scope="col">Week</th> <th scope="col">Date Week begining</th> <th scope="col">Class</th> <th scope="col">Assessment</th> </thead>
1 8 July Introduction – Aims of course
Exercise 1 – Letter to the Vice Chancellor
 
2 15 July Effective Legal writing
Exercise 2- Effective Legal Writing
 
3 22 July Improving your writing techniques
Exercise 3- Improving your writing techniques
 
4 29 July Revising, Editing and Proofreading  
5 5 August Drafting Letters to clients
File 1- Letter of Advice (Mary Contrary)
Submission of final copy Legal Writing Exercise
6 12 August Drafting Clauses in a Contract  
7 19 August File 2- Preparation of sale of contract for purchase of a motor vehicle (Phillip Macedon) File 1 assessment due in class
8 26 August Drafting a Legal Memorandum
File 3 – Drafting a legal memorandum (Sally Green)
 
- 2-6 September Mid Semester Break (No Classes)  
9 9 September Drafting a Statement of Claim
File 3 – Drafting a statement of claim (Sally Green)
File 2 assessment due in class
10 16 September File work File 3 assessment due in class


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Ros Macdonald and Deborah Clark-Dickson Clear and Precise Writing Skills for Today Lawyers (2010, 3ed, Thomson Reuters)


References


Other Resources

You will be required to print letters/documents therefore you will need an adequate amount of print credits when you attend the class.


Overview of Assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• review of structure and content of documents
• review of draft documents
• review of final documents
• demonstration of techniques
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of word processing software functions.
 


Assessment Tasks

1. Legal writing exercise

2. File work

 Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of competency to be deemed competent.
A range of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills and knowledge, for example:
* tests and examinations in formal settings
* assignments, projects and case study analysis
* direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence
* review of authenticated documents from the workplace or training environment
* demonstration of techniques
* Class presentation 

Critical aspects of assessment
Evidence of the following is essential:
• production of documents
• editing draft text to ensure accuracy and clarity of
information
• knowledge of enterprise style guide/house style

 

Assessment completion requirements

You are required to complete 2 tasks. To pass this course students must attempt assessments as required which are graded upon submission by the class assessor. .

Assessment descriptions
 

Assessment submission requirements

Assessment tasks need to be submitted via Blackboard unless otherwise advised.

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 Special Consideration. Information on the process and application forms is available at http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ls0ydfokry9rz website.
* 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 footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.


Marking Guide

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

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.


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 developing and maintaining an OHS system.

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 managing an OHS system. You should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of all applicable OHS legislative requirements 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 managing OHS systems and how these might be addressed.

4. WORK ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND SELF MANAGEMENT
We expect to see ongoing uploading of information into Pebble Pad that is relevant to the unit, full utilisation of Pebble Pad and Blackboard as per course requirements and timely submission of all required assessment tasks.


5. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE NETWORKING, LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND TEAMWORK
We expect to see contributions to relevant discussions and scheduled Collaborate sessions. In addition your tasks should demonstrate a very good understanding of strategies for a collaborative approach to OHS management in the workplace.
 

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. 


Assessment Matrix

Elements Legal writing exercise File work
1. Plan documents
 
 x  x
2. Draft text
 
 x  x
3. Prepare final text
 
 x  x
4. Produce document
 
 x  x

Course Overview: Access Course Overview