Course Title: Apply writing and presentation skills within a justice environment
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2016
Course Code: JUST5726
Course Title: Apply writing and presentation skills within a justice environment
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
Sandra Reitano
Workshop Educators: Linda Apostolovski and Iren Citler
(Available by appointment only - Thursdays in 37.4.13)
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 research, analyse and evaluate, document and present information that meets organisational requirements across a range of justice environment contexts.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU20870 Apply writing and presentation skills within a justice environment |
Element: |
1. Plan for writing complex document/s for a justice environment context |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Purpose and objectives, format and specific requirements of document/s are determined |
Element: |
2. Research and develop complex document/s for a justice environment context |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Research is conducted and collated |
Element: |
3. Present information in a justice environment context |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Presentation strategies, format and delivery methods that match the requirements of the target audience location, resources and required personnel are determined and practised. |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements and the following;
• Conduct research for a report or document
• Effectively use written and oral skills, to industry standard, in the development and presentation of a researched document
• Reference sources of information through in-text referencing and bibliography according to specific citation system
• Understand the knowledge of research and presentation methods
• Understand the knowledge of privacy legislation, regulations and standards
Details of Learning Activities
Students will participate in a variety of learning activities and include:
· class exercises to review discussions/lectures
· Blog/Wiki or other online discussions and participation
· analysis/critique of relevant reading material
· seminars/workshops
· group activities/projects
· group discussion
· research
· independent project based work
· Simulated and/or practical placements
Teaching Schedule
Week : (Intensive Interactive Lectures): 5 days x 3 hour lectures (15 hours) will cover the following critical elements and introduce students to Writing and Presentation Skills:
Welcome and overview of subject and assessment requirements.
Assessment Tasks (Groups and Essay allocation)
Introduction to writing in criminal justice environments.
Guest Speaker (Library Services).
Basic writing skills and practical exercises
APA Referencing – theory and practice
Research Skills
Effective Presentation Skills & Activities
Essay Writing – structure and format
Forming an argument
Evidence and APA Referencing
APA Tests (x3)
Following completion of 15 hour Intensive module, students are required to attend allocated workshops.
Workshops:
Students will attend set 1 hour workshops with an allocated educator. Each workshop will have a specific focus and will be related to each of the assessment tasks to assist you the student achieve competency and practice writing.
Workshop One:
LLN completion
Justice writing pieces x 2 - overview
Workshop Two:
Academic writing; Wordlists and Tools for writing success.
Practical exercises and assistance provided in workshops.
Workshop Three:
APA – Practical exercises in paraphrasing, summarising and citations.
Workshop Four:
Submission of Justice writing pieces x 2
Workshop Five:
Essay Writing; Introduction and addressing topic questions
Practical exercises
Workshop Six:
Essay Writing; Body Paragraphs and Transitional words
Practical exercises
Workshop Seven:
Essay Writing; Conclusion and References
Practical exercises
Workshop Eight:
Presentations – an Overview
Practical exercises
Workshop Nine:
Presentations commence
Workshop Ten:
Presentations (continued)
Workshop Eleven:
Presentations (continued)
Workshop Twelve:
Submission of Critical Essay
NOTE: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain competency.
You are expected to attend all scheduled classes and some classes will have sessions that are compulsory to attend (please see individual course guides). If you cannot attend a class you should advise your RMIT Educator, as RMIT monitors all student attendance.
As a student, competency is demonstrated through both knowledge and practical skills relevant to the course content and within the classroom environment. Engagement with educators and other students is critical to you maximising 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.
Absence from class can seriously limit your ability to pass or achieve good results. You may be asked to attend a meeting to explain more than three absences from a subject and enter into a negotiated plan of action with your Educator. This meeting is recommended as an early intervention approach that may possibly identify any underlying issues which may be affecting your attendance and identify support that RMIT may be able to give you.
Clearly, non-attendance at an assessment will result in failure of that assessment. If your academic progress is reviewed, a good class attendance may be helpful in showing evidence of your commitment to your studies in Justice.
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Recommended text: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th Edition). |
References
You are advised to look at the course at myRMIT for ongoing updated information.
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There is no prescribed text for this course. |
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Other Resources PowerPoint’s for the lectures will generally be made available AFTER the class; however these are not a replacement for attending lectures. Lectures may have additional information, activities or visual material, which will not be available through Blackboard. |
Other Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access to the library resources.
Overview of Assessment
Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods including role-plays, observations, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, reports, group/individual training workshops, and audio-visual presentations.
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
To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete all of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive written feedback on all assessment (refer to MyRMIT for assessment criteria).
Summative Assessment Task 1: Justice Writing x 2
Students will submit two pieces of writing from the following to demonstrate writing styles
• A justice case note (Descriptive writing)
• A justice court report summary and recommendation (Analytical)
• A Witness statement and/or Police report (Investigative and Narrative writing)
The word limit for both writing tasks is 1000 words. All templates and case information to complete as per Industry standards and requirements will be provided to students in Workshop One.
Due date: 15th March 2016
Assessment Task 2: Critical Essay
Students are required to submit a 1500 word essay on a specific criminal justice topic with a minimum of 3 academic references. This essay needs to demonstrate a level of factual and theoretical knowledge. Students will develop research and writing skills and will have class time to workshop their essay plan, research and practice writing prior to submission. Students will also need to work independently and use their class time effectively to manage their Portfolio writing task and essay.
Due date: Friday 13th May 2016
Assessment Task 3: Group Oral Presentation
There will also be short group oral presentations on criminal justice organisations conducted in the Workshops. Groups are required to submit ONE powerpoint slide with their presentation and each group is to present for 10 minutes.
Due date: Week commencing 4th April 2016
Formative Assessments:
Students are required to attend ALL scheduled workshops and participate in a range of practical exercises. This is integral to your learning and to demosntratre your progressive growth.
Furthermore, there will be 2 on-line APA tests to be completed PRIOR to week 12. All tests MUST be completed and students must achieve competency in order to pass the subject. These tests are ungraded.
Assessment Matrix
This is available via MyRMIT/Studies
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
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students
Assessment Deadlines
Any due date for any assignment is to be considered a deadline. You can submit work at any time prior to the submission date, but it must be into the Administration office by close of business (5pm) of the day the submission is due.
Assessment Format
As a student of the Justice VE program, it is expected that you adhere to the following criteria regarding essays/research/reports;
For a CERTIFICATE IV written assessment task/s – up to 1500 words, 3 academic references and ONE in-text citation per paragraph.
A paragraph is usually between 200 – 250 words.
A sentence is usually between 20 - 25 words.
American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing Style is the EXPECTED referencing style for the school of Criminal Justice (VE).
We highly recommend that all students download a copy of the APA Referencing Guide which is available on the Blackboard or purchase a Pocket Guide to APA style from the campus bookshop.
APA Referencing system is to be used and all in-text citations must be recorded according to APA standards.
An academic reference is a scholarly source (journal articles that are peer reviewed, a published book, an approved government or organisation website etc).
Written reports, research projects or essays are to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and familiarity with the prescribed or negotiated topics
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 address the issues raised in the chosen topic in a logical ordered and organised manner.
Written submissions must demonstrate appropriate preparation, reading and research.
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.
All assignments to be submitted via the Drop Box (Building 37, level 2) and submitted via email to the Advanced Diploma email address to verify submission (advdipjusticeassignments@rmit.edu.au). Assessments must be submitted by 5pm (close of business).
Written assessments will also be submitted with a Turnitin Report attached (as instructed by your Educator).
Other information Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students
Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of implications of plagiarism.
Please refer to the following link for on-line submission statements;
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/teaching/technology/esubmission
Cover sheets do NOT form part of your word limit for written assessment tasks.
Assignment Submissions:
The submission of assessments on the due date is the responsibility solely of the student. Students should not leave assignment preparation until the last minute and must plan their workloads so as to be able to meet advertised or notified deadlines.
If you have not been granted an extension or special consideration, you need to submit any work that has been completed on the due date.
The penalty for assignments submitted late will be 10% of the maximum mark per day late or part thereof.
Weekends and holidays will attract the same penalty as weekdays.
Assignments that are late by 7 days or more will not be marked and will be awarded zero.
Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.
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. Speak with your teacher or course coordinator regarding applying for an extension.
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://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
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://www1.rmit.edu.au/library/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:
1. 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;
2. Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
3. Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
4. Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
5. Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
6. Copying a whole or any part of another student’s work; and
7. Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
8. 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 Conduct Regulations – http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=r7a7an6qug93
Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com
Complaints Procedure:
RMIT University is committed to providing a harmonious study and work environment for all students and staff. The University recognises your right to raise concerns about academic, administrative or support services without recrimination and has policies and procedures to assist in the resolution of complaints.
Most issues are resolved at the local level and you are encouraged to take steps to resolve your issue locally. The student complaint procedure details steps to take if your problem is not resolved or you believe the response you received is unreasonable.
Student Complaints Policy: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/studentcomplaintspolicy
Student complaints Procedure: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=i1lexipvjt22
Student Complaints Form: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/v4ujvmyojugxz.pdf
Course Overview: Access Course Overview