Course Title: Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

Course Code: HWSS5407C

Course Title: Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4323 - Certificate IV in 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

Lauren Weaver
Ph: 9925 4622
E: lauren.weaver@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

Nil

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to exhibit ethical conduct required of those in public service and the responsibility to encourage ethical conduct in others, colleagues or supervised staff.
It includes contributing to an ethical public sector workplace and participating in ethical decision making.
In practice, ethical conduct is demonstrated in the context of other generalist or specialist work activities such as applying government processes, delivering and monitoring services to clients, using resources, conducting interviews, giving evidence, awarding contracts, etc.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

Element:

1. Contribute to an ethical public sector workplace

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Information on the ethical values and principles of the workplace is accessed, its interpretation confirmed with others and applied accordingly
1.2 Application of ethical values and principles is discussed with senior management and colleagues to ensure common understanding and application
1.3 Others are assisted to access and use public sector ethics legislation and guidelines to ensure their work practices comply with requirements
1.4 The differences between public sector ethics/values and personal beliefs/values are explained to others to encourage understanding and compliance
1.5 Hypothetical work practices that would constitute unethical conduct are identified and discussed with work colleagues, and strategies to avoid or deal with them are identified in accordance with organisational policy and procedures

Element:

2. Participate in ethical decision making

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Real and potential ethical problems are identified, and decision making processes are used to resolve or refer them in accordance with organisational policy and procedures
2.2 Information is regularly accessed to ensure currency in ethical knowledge, and ethical judgment is developed through involvement in workplace discussions or ongoing professional development related to ethical standards and practices
2.3 Other staff are supported as necessary to contribute to ethical discussions and problem solving to develop their ethical judgment
2.4 Processes for preventing and reporting unethical conduct are used and others are assisted in their application


Learning Outcomes


On completion of the course, you will be able to demonstrate and support in others ethical conduct in a range of contexts (occasions/situations) where contexts include generalist or specialist work activities such as applying government processes, delivering and monitoring services to clients, using resources, conducting interviews, giving evidence, awarding contracts, etc.


Details of Learning Activities

You will participate in a variety of learning activities. They include the following:
In class activities:
• Role plays
• Observations
• Lectures
• Presentations
• Class discussions
• Oral and written questioning

Out of class activities:
• Readings
• Case studies
• Research


Teaching Schedule

Week1: Introduction to Values and principles.
Semester overview
Course Guide
Assessments for unit distributed and discussed


Week: 2: Legislation and ethical practice in government
Privacy law and its application in Justice

Week:3-4- The philosophy of Professional Ethics (underpinning theory)
Formative assessment 1

Week: 4-6 Introduction to Ethical Principles and the Code of Conduct for VPS
employees

Week: 7 Professional Boundaries in the delivery of justice services.
Formative assessment 2

Week 8: Labelling theory, explanation for criminal and other deviant behavior and its consequences v. ethical practice
Formative assessment 3 – online test

Week 9: Contemporary models for ethical decision
making
Summative assessment 1- Report on ‘Gifts and benefits’ policy
Review and workshop of summative assessment 2

Week 10: Ethics in various arms of justice (Police)

Week11: Ethics in various arms of justice
(Police continued)

Week 12: Ethics in various arms of justice
(Corrections)

Summative assessment 2, written assignment due

Week13: Ethics in various arms of justice (Courts
and the Judiciary)

Week 14: Group presentations – Summative assessment 3

Week 15: Group presentations- Summative assessment 3

• The teaching schedule outlined above is subject to change depending on your assimilation of knowledge and skills of the subject matter, changes of legislation and on unforeseen circumstances.

• As a student you need to demonstrate both knowledge and practical skills relevant to the course content within the classroom environment. Engagement with educators and other students is critical to you maximizing learning opportunities and achieving satisfactory results. Participation in classroom discussion and activities will allow educators to apply observational assessment during role-plays, exercises and assignments and provide you with feedback.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Victorian Public Service Code of Conduct
Public Administration Act 2004
Graham., G. ‘Eight Theories of Ethics’ Routledge, London


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods including case studies, observations, scenarios, simulation and/or role plays, lectures, tutorials, class discussions, practical exercises, audio-visual presentations, research and interaction with individuals and/or groups within the justice industry.

Assessments will include; 

Assessment

Assessment Type

Word limit or equivalent

Assessment One

Essay on Conflict of interest

 1500 words

Assessment Two

Essay on Values and Principles

 1500 words

Assessment Three

 Exam

 Multiple choice and short answer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=c15i3ciaq8ca

 

 

 

 


Assessment Tasks

Formative assessments 1 and 2 consist of application of ethical principles based on scenarios/dilemmas specific to the justice environment.
Formative assessments 3 will involve an interactive assessment based on a conflict of interest online module. These assessment tasks are aligned on the performance criteria of the applicable elements

Students will have the opportunity to receive feedback and make adjustments/improvements to the areas they are not competent in as a form of ongoing monitoring of their progress

Summative assessment 1 (graded) will constitute 20% of the total grade. This assessment comprises a written report based on an industry based scenario related to the ‘Gifts and benefits’ policy framework of the State Services Authority.

Summative assessment 2 (graded) will constitute 50% of the total grade. This assessment task comprises a 2000 word written assignment ethical principles applicable to the justice environment

Summative assessment 3 (graded) will constitute 30% of the final mark. This assessment comprises a presentation of the theories that shape ethical practices in a justice setting or the Victorian Public Sector Code of Conduct.

Comprehensive assessment outlines will be issued and discussed with students in class/and or through Blackboard in Week 1 of the course


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 Assessmen

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

Course Overview: Access Course Overview