Course Title: Read and write a range of complex texts for further study

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2013

Course Code: LANG5629

Course Title: Read and write a range of complex texts for further study

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4245 - Certificate IV in ESL (Further Study)

Course Contact : Baia Tsakouridou

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488

Course Contact Email:baia.tsakouridou@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Melanie Kyle 94.3.16 email: melanie.kyle@rmit.edu.au

Tim Morris 94.3.16 email: tim.morris@rmit.edu.au

Melanie Reynolds 94.3.16 email: melanie.reynolds@rmit.edu.au

Caroline McEnroe 94.3.22 email: caroline.mcenroe@rmit.edu.au

Betty Koklanis 94.3.16 email: betty.koklanis@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 of competency describes reading and writing performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required by adult learners with language backgrounds other than English for further study purposes. The focus of this unit is on analysing a wide range of complex texts as models for own writing and creating a wide range of texts for further study purposes.

This unit is part of a full time integrated academic preparation program. It aims to provide you with the cultural understanding, advanced English language and study skills to participate in further study contexts.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VPAU532 Read and write a range of complex texts for further study

Element:

1 Analyse a wide range of complex written texts relevant to a study context

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Use a wide range of reading strategies to read complex texts
1.2 Identify the context and purpose of complex written texts and the register used
1.3 Determine the role and attitude of the writer
1.4 Analyse the discourse structure of the text
1.5 Comment on the effectiveness of the text overall

Element:

2 Critically read an extended text

Performance Criteria:

2.1 List the main points or themes, and any implied meanings
2.2 Identify and evaluate the effectiveness of any supporting material
2.3 Describe the writer’s attitude
2.4 Evaluate and respond to the text

Element:

3 Construct a range of complex texts for study purposes

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify the audience and purpose of a complex written text
3.2 Plan and draft text, using genre and conventions appropriate to context and purpose
3.3 Present and support point of view with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples
3.4 Link ideas in clear connected text, using complex structures, appropriate vocabulary and a range of cohesive devices
3.5 Proofread and edit text

Element:

4 Review constructed texts against required criteria

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Check criteria for written text
4.2 Examine written text against criteria
4.3 Make adjustments to meet criteria
4.4 Review and adjust text for overall clarity and for final presentation


Learning Outcomes


The outcomes described in this unit relate to:
· The ISLPR (International Second Language Proficiency Ratings) descriptors for Speaking and Listening. They contribute directly to the achievement of Reading 3/3+ and Writing 3/3+
and
· the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) http://www.deewr.gov.au/SKILLS/PROGRAMS/LITANDNUM/ACSF/Pages/default.aspx . They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of competence in Oral Communication at Level 4.


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Certificate IV in ESL (Further Study) which is an integrated program. This means that you will study this unit with several other units on the same day. Your program consists of Face to Face teaching and Directed Study. Your program will have a minimum of 8 hours Directed Study per week. You are not required to attend to complete Directed Study, however you are expected to complete all work given and will at times be required to show evidence that the work has been completed in this unit. This is a very important part of your program and we ask that you do 4-5 hours on your non attendance day and at least 1 hour each evening to cover all the units in the program. An outline of your Directed Study is published each week in the Weekly Program Delivery Plan.

This unit in part covers the reading & writing macro skills addressed in the certificate.

Examples of how you will practice and study the units:

LISTENING
You will:

  • listen to a range of audio and film and documentary texts
  • take part in conversations
  • listen and take notes from guest speaker presentations

SPEAKING
You will:

  • work in pairs and in small groups
  • give a formal oral presentation
  • take part in formal and informal discussions

This unit covers in part the reading and writing macro skills addressed in the whole certificate.


READING
You are encouraged to read a wide range of texts relevant to the study context. You will:

  • read opinion texts & extended academic texts
  • study items in the news every week and compare television and newspaper news.

WRITING
In a variety of writing activities, you will improve your sentence structure and learn how to use different writing styles. This will include course applications & essays. You will:
 

  • learn to locate and record references used
  • reflect on issues and your own learning
  • learn about research for essay writing
  • learn to plan, draft and proofread your work.
  • construct formatted texts for study purposes
  • become familiar with academic discourse

The revision of important grammatical structures will be incorporated into each activity.


Teaching Schedule

Program Dates: Mon 22 July – Fri 6 December, 2013

Term Break: Mon 23 September – Sun 6 October 2012

Public holidays: Tue 5 November (Melbourne Cup Day)

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program.This unit is clustered with VPAU534 Use language analysis skills to review own texts.

 

Week VPAU532 Read and write a range of complex texts for further study
1 Computers orientation: Skills Survey, my RMIT, Blackboard, MacMillan Dictionary activity

Learning lab - study skills/note taking/abbreviations
2 Preparation for exposition essay: read & take notes from a range of texts

Employability Skills Project

3

Summarising/Paraphrasing
Essay skills

Employability Skills Project

4

Research for exposition essay

Harvard referencing

5

Research for exposition essay

Harvard referencing

6 Write exposition essay assessment task (in class)
7 Reading skills/what makes a persuasive argument
Argumentation
8 Academic skills: reading and writing for further study
9 Mid semester progress interviews
10 Preparation for argumentative essay
11 Preparation for argumentative essay
12 Complete argumentative essay
13 Do research for report assessment task:
  • Find relevant journal & newspaper articles using databases
  • Find books or ebooks using the RMIT Library catalogue
  • Record reference details
  • Record information on summaries sheets
14 research report
15 research report
16

prepare PowerPoint presentations

submit research report assessment

17 PowerPoint presentations
18  workshops

**The teaching schedule maybe subject to change. Students will be advised via Blackboard and in class should changes occur.

Your program is made up of:

  • Orientation
  • Learning activities
  • Mid semester review
  • Guest speakers
  • Excursions
  • Exit review

All students will be inducted. The induction includes:

  • Program Guide & Student Diary
  • Student Rights and Responsibilities
  • Explore RMIT ( an orientation to the university and its services)
  • Orientation to RMIT Libraries (library tour & on line catalogue introduction)
  • RMIT Online Systems Information Session

Library Orientation & an RMIT Online Systems Information Session will be scheduled during the first two weeks of your program. Information about student services, rights and responsibilities is contained in your student diary.
 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

TEXTS AND EQUIPMENT

There are no set texts in this course, but it is recommended that you bring:

  • English-English dictionary (we ask that you do not use a translation dictionary)
  • Thesaurus
  • Display folder with plastic sleeves
  • Highlighter pens
  • Notebook or loose leaf paper
  • Headphones (use your own or they can be purchased from the Carlton Library very cheaply)
  • USB (Memory stick)


Overview of Assessment

You must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of the competencies in order to be deemed competent. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks.

You may be assessed by:

  •  extended written essays
  • a portfolio investigating study/career pathways.


    Feedback will be provided throughout the semester, in both oral and written form, through individual and group feedback on practical exercises and by individual consultation.


    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 coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.

    An assessment charter (http://mams.rmit.edu.au/kh6a3ly2wi2h1.pdf)  summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.

    Your courses assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced in a single document: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ln1kd66y87rc  


Assessment Tasks

Summative assessments:

  • Argumentative & exposition essays
  • Drafting, proof reading & editing academic texts

Formative assessments: ongoing observations, summaries and review of student work

Please note:
Assessments tasks will include other courses (Units of competency) from the program.

All Assessment tasks should be submitted by the deadline. If an extension is required you must ask your teacher for one before the due date.


Assessment Matrix

Assessment Matrix
Each assessment cover sheet clearly outlines the competencies being addressed in the task in relation to performance criteria. The sum of assessment tasks will cover all units and their elements over a range of occasions. You will be given opportunities to demonstrate competency in a variety of ways throughout the program. You are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with your teacher or student co-ordinator. An assessment matrix will be available on myRMIT

Course Overview: Access Course Overview