Course Title: Read and write complex texts for further study

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2018

Course Code: LANG5797

Course Title: Read and write complex texts for further study

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4344 - Certificate IV in EAL (Further Study)

Course Contact: Baia Tsakouridou, Bloss Robertson

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488

Course Contact Email: baia.tsakouridou@rmit.edu.au, bloss.robertson@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Angela Borrelli 51.2  angela.borrelli@rmit.edu.au

Jane Collins 51.2  jane.collins@rmit.edu.au

 Jacqui Cheng 51.2

jacqueline.cheng@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. In this unit you will be focusing 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:

VU21512 Read and write complex texts for further study

Element:

1 Analyse the features of a 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

Element:

2 Critically read a complex 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 Comment on the effectiveness of the text overall
2.5 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 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 EAL (Further Study) which is an integrated program. This means that you will study this unit with two 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.  An outline of your Directed Study is published each week in the Weekly Program Delivery Plan.

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program.This unit is taught with VU21511 (LANG5801) Read and write complex texts for research purposes  and VU20746 (GEDU5990) Apply further study skills  .

It is Cluster 1 - Analyse, Read and Write Complex Texts, Essential Further Study Skills. 

The competencies will cover basic skills in learning strategies, analysis, critical thinking, research and academic writing for tertiary study.

The Weekly Program Delivery Plan is a detailed outline of what activities you will be undertaking in each session on a weekly basis. You can access this via Canvas on the first day of each teaching week.

You will be taught research and analytical skills over a wide range of texts relevant to the study context. as well as read, analyse and review complex texts for appropriateness in a further study context.

In a variety of writing activities, you will learn how to use different writing styles that are appropriate for your study context. This will include essays, research reports, lab reports, proposals, critiques. You will:
• take notes from a range of complex texts
• learn to locate and record references used
• learn about research, essay and report 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.

Verbal communication skills necessary for Collaborative learning will be explored


Teaching Schedule

 

Course Dates:

16 July- 23 November 2018

Mid-Semester Break:

24 September - 5 October 2018

University and Public Holidays:

Monday and  Tuesday 5 and 6 November 2018

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program.This unit is taught with VU21511 (LANG5801) Read and write complex texts for research purposes  and VU20746  (GEDU5990) Apply further study skills.

It is Cluster 1 - Analyse, Read and Write Complex Texts, Essential Further Study Skills.

 

Week

 VU21512 Read and Write Complex texts for further study

 

VU20746

Elements

VU21511

Elements

VU21512

Elements

1

 

Orientation/Administration: Skills Survey, my RMIT, Blackboard
Learning lab - study

Diagnostic Tasks
Collaborative learning/Group work

Introduce Assessment Task 1: Group summary

Topic Sentences and Sentence Structure

Introduce Reading Tutorial

E1

E3

E5

E2

 

E2

2

 

Paragraphs Structure

Paragraph Unity and Coherence

Learning Strategies and Contexts

Research- reading and taking notes

Introduce Assessment Task 3: Expository Essay

Reading Tutorial

E1

E3

E4

E5

E1

E2

 

E1

E2

3

 

Learning Strategies and Contexts

Research/Reading and Paraphrasing

and in text citations

Collaborative learning/Group work

Assessment Task 1: Group Collaboration (in class)

Reading Tutorial

Introduce Assessment Rubric

E1

E3

E5

E1

E2

 

E1

E2

E3

4

 

Essay structure

Model essay- deconstructed

Harvard Referencing/reference lists

Essay question/context brainstorm

Reading Tutorial

E3

E4

E5

E1

E2

E3

E4

E1

E2

E3

5

 

 

Essay planning

Direct Quotes and In-text referencing

Complex Sentences

Reading Tutorial

Assessment Task 3: Exposition Essay Plan due

E3

E4

E5
 

E1
E2

E3

E4

E1

E2

E3

6

 

Paraphrasing and in text citations

Synthesising and summarising

Peer editing using rubric

Reading Tutorial

Assessment Task 3: Exposition essay draft submitted to CANVAS Turnitin

E3

E4

E5
 

E1

E2

E3

E4

E5

E1

E2

E3

E4

7

 

Proof reading, editing and re writing an essay

Research techniques

Reading Tutorial

Assessment Task 3: Exposition Essay Final  submitted to CANVAS

E1

E2

E3

E4

E5
 

E1


E2

E3


E4

E5

E1

E2

E3

E4

8

 

Academic English

Reporting verbs

Reading Tutorial

Mid semester interviews

E3

E5
 

E1


E2


E3
 

E1

E2

E3

 

9

 

 

Reading academic articles

Research- fact and opinion

Discussion essay structure

Library Research session

Reading Tutorial

E1

E2

E3

E1

E2

 


 

 

E1

E2

 

 

10

 

Essay planning review

Collaborative learning/Group work

Paraphrasing, synthesising

Punctuation/linking words review

Reading Tutorial

Assessment Task 8: Discussion Essay plan due

E3

E5

E1

E2

 

E1

E2

 


 

11

Review intext citiations

Visual Literacy- reading and interpreting graphs and tables

Peer editing using rubric

Reading Tutorial

Assessment Task 8: Discussion essay draft submitted to CANVAS Turnitin

E1

E3

E4

E5

E1

E2

E3

E4

E5

E1

E2

E3

E4

12

 

Proof reading , editing and re writing an essay

Report structure

Review-what are academic references

Brainstorm topics for research report/Prepare for group tutorial

Assessment Task 8:
Discussion Essay Final
submitted to CANVAS

E1

E3

E4

E5

E1

E2

E3

E4

E5

E1

E2

E3

E4

13

Research, reading and summarising  

Findings (section of Report) 

Interpreting non verbal data, graphs statistics

Assessment Task 12: Part 1 Group Tutorial (in class)

E2

E3

E5

E1

E2

E4

E1

E2

14

Research

Reading and paraphrasing, synthesising

Discussion (section of Report)

In text citations/reporting verbs

Review reference lists

E2

E3

E5

E1

E2

E3

E4

E5

E1

E2

E3

E4

15

Introduction (section of Report)

and Abstract (section of Report)

Peer editing using rubric

Assessment Task 12: Research Report draft submitted to CANVAS Turnitin

E2

E3

E4

E5

E3

E4

E5

E3

E4

16

Proof reading, editing and re writing of report

Assessment Task 12: Research Report Final submitted to CANVAS

E4

E5

E3

E4

E5

E3

E4

17

Review of academic reading and writing skills

Resume writing workshop

Interview skills seminar

E1

E3

E2

 

E2

 

 

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

The Program is made up of:

  • Orientation
  • Learning Activities
  • Mid semester interview
  • Excursions
  • Exit review

All students will be inducted. The induction includes:

 

  • Induction Booklet and presentation
  • Explore RMIT activity
  • Orientation to RMIT Libraries

 

 

 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:

  • Display folder with plastic sleeves
  • Highlighter pens
  • Notebook or loose leaf paper in folder
  • Headphones
  • Dictionary/thesaurus
  • Laptop computer


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 manager or the Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.

The Student Charter www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-education/supporting-learning-and-teaching/student-charter/ summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT University student as well as the responsibilities of the university.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which can be found on the RMIT University website at: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qwxbqbg739rl1

 


Assessment Tasks

Summative assessments:

Assessment Task 1: Group Collaboration (Week 3) in class 

You will be placed in group. Each group will collaborate to come to a group decision.

Assessment Task 3: Exposition EssayDraft (Week 6); Final  (Week 7)

You will research, plan and draft an expository essay.The draft will be submitted via Turnitin. The final essay will be submitted via Canvas

Assessment Task 8: Discussion EssayDraft (Week 11); Final  (Week 12)

You will research, plan and draft a discussion essay.The draft will be submitted via Turnitin. The final essay will be submitted via Canvas.

Assessment Task 12: Research Report Draft (Week 15) ; Final (Week 16)

This task takes place over several weeks and involves researching a current issue. It involves a small group tutorial using academic texts and writing an individual report identifying the genre, the key facts and discussing the research. The group tutorial involves academic research, reading and summarising to prepare for a group discussion. The draft will be submitted via Turnitin. The final essay will be submitted via Canvas.
 

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

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


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. To successfully complete this unit you will need to demonstrate that you are competent in each element of the unit/subject on at least two occasions.

You are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with your teacher or student co-ordinator. An assessment matrix will be available on myRMIT.

Other Information

 Attendance

Your course involves participating in face to face classes. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to successfully complete this course.

Student Progress

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.

Student program policy www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academicprogress
 

You will be asked to attend mid-semester and end of semester interviews with relevant teachers and Program Co-ordinator. The interviews are an important part of giving you feedback and supporting you through your program by monitoring your academic progress.
 

Special consideration policy (Late submissions)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Extension www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension

Special consideration is an assessment adjustment for unexpected circumstances that are outside your control, which:

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has  strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy 
 www.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity

Course Overview: Access Course Overview