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 |
Element: |
2. Draft text |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1. Review and organise available data, information and knowledge according to proposed structure and content |
Element: |
3. Prepare final text |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1. Review draft text to ensure document objectives are achieved and requirements are met |
Element: |
4. Produce document |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1. Choose basic design elements for documents appropriate to audience and purpose |
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
1 | 8 July | Introduction – Aims of course Exercise 1 – Letter to the Vice Chancellor |
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2 | 15 July | Effective Legal writing Exercise 2- Effective Legal Writing |
|
3 | 22 July | Improving your writing techniques Exercise 3- Improving your writing techniques |
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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) |
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- | 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