Course Title: Use complex legal terminology in interpreting (LOTE-English)

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2023

Course Code: LANG5853C

Course Title: Use complex legal terminology in interpreting (LOTE-English)

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.  

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.  

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.  

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus  

  

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.  

 

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6154 - Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (LOTE-English)

Course Contact: Ya-Ping Kuo

Course Contact Phone: +(61 3) 9925 3771

Course Contact Email: ya-ping.kuo@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 25

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 skills required to understand and use complex legal terminology in English and a LOTE sufficient to interpret between the two languages in complex dialogue or monologue settings in specialist legal and policing contexts.

This unit applies to those working as interpreters in a range of complex legal and policing contexts. The interpreter may be required to interact with members of the general public interacting with police, lawyers, the judiciary and court staff.

This unit will be delivered in a cluster as follows:

Terminology cluster (Spoken languages)

  • LANG5848C Build glossaries for translating and interpreting assignments
  • LANG5852C Use complex health terminology
  • LANG5853C Use complex legal terminology


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

PSPTIS093 Use complex legal terminology in interpreting (LOTE-English)

Element:

1. Identify the context of legal terminology

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify key features of the legal and judicial system, including key people and structures

1.2 Describe standard procedures specific to oral communication in formal legal and policing contexts.

1.3 Outline the role and responsibilities of interpreters and others in legal and policing contexts.

1.4 Identify social, cultural and professional conventions of English and LOTE appropriate to legal and judicial contexts.

1.5 Explain the consequences of oral rendition of fixed texts and use of incorrect legal terminology.

Element:

2. Extend understanding of legal terminology

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Recognise and explain complex legal terminology and key legal concepts and processes in English and LOTE.

2.2 Establish standard translations for fixed text encountered in policing and judicial contexts that correctly reflect underlying common law principles.

2.3 Research and increase knowledge of complex legal terminology in English and LOTE.

2.4 Spell and pronounce complex legal terminology correctly.

Element:

3. Use appropriate oral or signed communication in legal contexts

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Receive and understand oral or signed communication using complex English and LOTE legal terminology.

3.2 Seek clarification of correct use and meaning of terms and associated processes.

3.3 Use a range of complex English and LOTE legal vocabulary and expressions correctly in interpreting.

3.4 Apply prosodic features, gestures and body language appropriate to the legal and policing context.

Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

The learning activities included instructor guided and learner-guided activities. The classes will cover skills required to understand and use complex legal terminology. This is to assist those working as interpreters in a range of complex legal and policing contexts. Activities for this unit include watching a series of videos (uploaded on CANVAS), using Google Hangout, Blackboard collaborate, videos, telephone and live simulations in and outside of class.


Teaching Schedule

Please refer to the Canvas - Syllabus for the weekly teaching schedule. All tutorials and lectures are delivered face to face on campus. 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

The unit is supported online using Canvas. The Canvas gives access to important announcements, staff contacts details, the teaching schedule, assessment timelines and a variety of important teaching and learning materials. Access to Canvas can be found at myRMIT www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit

RMIT's Learning Lab (https://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/welcome) is a site developed for students at RMIT. It provides links to a range of resources for supporting student work on assessments and negotiating university studies more generally.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will be ongoing during the semester, and you will receive feedback on your progress. You will undertake a variety of assessment tasks and activities to assess your level of competence against key elements and performance criteria.

The assessment tasks may inlcude, but are not limited to:

- practical demonstration
- roleplays
- real or simulated interpreting assignments via communication media
- self reflective reports
- action learning plans.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1

Legal terminology knowledge questions

The task involves providing responses to questions to demonstrate your:

  • skills to identify the context of and extend understanding of legal terminology
  • knowledge of key concepts related to interpreting in legal context and using complex legal terminology.

This information will also help you to demonstrate your use of complex legal terminology in assessment tasks 2 and 3 (practical interpreting tasks).

Read through each question in the Student Answer Sheet and clarify any points with your teacher. Instruction and any standards to meet are provided in each question.

Some discussion of questions will take place during class time, but you will have to undertake work in their own time.

To be assessed as satisfactory for this assessment task, you need to:

  • you must be answer all questions correctly
  • effectively produce signed explanations of legal terms and processes, with few minor errors (question 6)
  • effectively translate the meaning of fixed texts, using terminology and phraseology, with few minor errors. (question 8).

 

Assessment Task 2

Legal terminology dialogue demonstration

This assessment task will enable you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to:

  • receive and understand oral or signed communication using, comments and advice using complex English and LOTE legal terminology
  • use social, cultural and professional conventions appropriate to English and LOTE being used in legal contexts, including:
    • customs, protocols and taboos
    • dialect, idiom, colloquialisms and language conventions
    • social conventions and consistent use of forms of address
  • clearly and correctly pronounce and produce legal vocabulary and expressions
  • seek clarification of correct use and meaning of terms and associated processes
  • use a range of routine English and LOTE legal vocabulary and expressions correctly in interpreting
  • apply prosodic features, gestures and body language appropriate to the legal and classroom context.

You will interpret one dialogue in a simulated legal setting which must be interpreted in the consecutive mode for spoken language stream or in the simultaneous mode for Auslan stream. The demonstration with involve one English speaking role player and one LOTE role player.

Prior to the dialogue, you will be presented with an interpreting brief. You will have approximately 15 minutes preparation time to identify subject specific information related to the brief. Following the 15 minutes preparation time, you are to present the dialogue in a testing room.

 

Assessment Task 3

Legal terminology monologue demonstration

This assessment task is the third of the three (3) tasks for you to complete satisfactorily to be deemed competent in the unit.

This assessment task will enable you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to:

  • receive and understand oral or signed communication using, comments and advice using complex LOTE legal terminology
  • use social, cultural and professional conventions appropriate to English and LOTE being used in legal contexts, including:
    • customs, protocols and taboos
    • dialect, idiom, colloquialisms and language conventions
    • social conventions and consistent use of forms of address
  • clearly and correctly pronounce and produce health and allied health vocabulary and expressions
  • use a range of routine health vocabulary and expressions correctly in interpreting
  • apply prosodic features, gestures and body language appropriate to the health.

You will interpret one monologue from English to LOTE in a simulated legal setting. You will use the consecutive mode to interpret a monologue of about 300 words divided into 3 segments. The monologue is played from an audio recording for you by a test supervisor. 

 


Assessment Matrix

   

 

 
           

Element 

        

Performance criteria 

        

Assessment tasks 
       

 

    

 

 

    

Task 1 

Legal terminology knowledge and translation 

    

Task 2 

Legal terminology dialogue demonstration 

    

Task 3 

Legal terminology monologue demonstration 
       

1. Identify the context of legal terminology 

    

1.1 Identify key features of the legal and judicial system, including key people and structures. 

    

Q1, Q3, Q4, Q7, Q11, Q12, Q13, Q14, Q16 

    

 

    

 
   

1.2 Describe standard procedures specific to oral communication in formal legal and policing contexts. 

    

Q2 

    

 

    

 
   

1.3 Outline the role and responsibilities of interpreters and others in legal and policing contexts. 

    

Q3, Q4 

    

 

    

 
   

1.4 Identify social, cultural and professional conventions of English and LOTE appropriate to legal and judicial contexts. 

    

Q6 

    

2, 3, 4 

    

2, 3, 4 
   

1.5 Explain the consequences of oral rendition of fixed texts and use of incorrect legal terminology. 

    

Q6, Q8 

    

 

    

 
       

2. Extend understanding of legal terminology 

    

2.1 Recognise and explain complex legal terminology and key legal concepts and processes in English and LOTE. 

    

Q5, Q7, Q8, Q11, Q14, Q16 

    

 

    

 
   

2.2 Establish standard translations for fixed text encountered in policing and judicial contexts that correctly reflect underlying common law principles. 

    

Q8 

    

 

    

 
   

2.3 Research and increase knowledge of complex legal terminology in English and LOTE. 

    

Q9 

    

 

    

 
   

2.4 Spell and pronounce complex legal terminology correctly. 

    

Q5, Q8, Q14 

    

1, 5 

    

1, 5 
       

3. Use appropriate oral or signed communication in legal contexts 

    

3.1 Receive and understand oral or signed communication using complex English and LOTE legal terminology. 

    

 

    

1 

    

1 
   

3.2 Seek clarification of correct use and meaning of terms and associated processes. 

    

 

    

6 

    

 
   

3.3 Use a range of complex English and LOTE legal vocabulary and expressions correctly in interpreting. 

    

 

    

1, 5 

    

1, 5 
   

3.4 Apply prosodic features, gestures and body language appropriate to the legal and policing context. 

    

 

    

7 

    

6 

 

 
           

Performance Evidence   

       

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. 

If not otherwise specified, the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following while interpreting in a general dialogue or monologue setting on at least two occasions. 

    

Task 1 

Legal terminology knowledge questions 

    

Task 2 

Legal terminology dialogue demonstration 

    

Task 3 

Legal terminology monologue demonstration 
       

  • using social, cultural and professional conventions appropriate to the languages being used in legal and policing contexts, including: 

    

 

    

2, 3, 4 

    

2, 3, 4 
       

  • customs, protocols and taboos 

    

 

    

2 

    

2 
       

  • dialect, idiom, colloquialisms and language conventions 

    

 

    

3 

    

2 
       

  • social conventions and consistent use of forms of address 

    

 

    

4 

    

4 

 

 
           

Knowledge Evidence   

       

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. 

If not otherwise specified, the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate. 

    

Task 1 

Legal terminology knowledge questions 

    

Task 2 

Legal terminology dialogue demonstration 

    

Task 3 

Legal terminology monologue demonstration 
       

  • areas of law 

    

Q1, Q4, Q10, Q12 

    

 

    

 
       

  • upper court, review tribunals and complex legal processes 

    

Q1, Q4, Q7, Q11, Q13, Q14 

    

 

    

 
       

  • legal and financial consequences of incorrect interpreting 

    

Q6 

    

 

    

 
       

  • hierarchy of courts and tribunals 

    

Q1, Q11 

    

 

    

 
       

  • key documentation relevant to policing, legal and judicial processes 

    

Q14 

    

 

    

 
       

  • legal privilege 

    

Q16 

    

 

    

 
       

  • legal systems, including common law and code law 

    

Q1, Q15 

    

 

    

 
       

  • information sources for increasing legal knowledge and terminology 

    

Q9 

    

 

    

 
       

  • legal principles relating to the role of the interpreter, including the right of a defendant to be ‘linguistically present’ 

    

Q3, Q4, Q16 

    

 

    

 
       

  • procedures for preparing affidavits and other legal documentation and legal cases 

    

Q14 

    

 

    

 
       

  • relevant legislation, government policies and court guidelines 

    

Q4, Q13, Q14, Q16 

    

 

    

 
       

  • WHS relevant to working in legal and policing contexts, including personal safety and fatigue 

    

Q16 

    

 

    

 
 
           

Assessment conditions 

        

Describe how assessments meet the assessment conditions 
       

Assessment of this unit of competency must include use of scenarios, case studies and experiences.  

    

Practical assessment uses real world dialogue and monologue examples to allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills with industry standard and relevant legal interpreting scenarios. 
       

Practical assessment must take place in the context of real or simulated interpreting.  

 

    

Simulated dialogue and monologue interpreting scenarios are designed to provide realistic, current and authentic interpreting experiences with the use of live role-players (dialogues). 
       

Consideration must be given to holistic assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the Companion Volumes.  

    

Where possible, holistic assessment has been considered, in line with other assessment conditions and requirements and student cohort characteristics. 
       

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors. 

    

Assessors satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors. 

  

 

 

Other Information

RMIT Library
The University Library provides extensive services, facilities and study space as well as comprehensive collections of books, periodicals and other course related materials, such as DVD’s, magazines, slides, films etc. Computer laboratories with access to a wide range of desktop publishing software are also available. The library also has an expanding virtual collection of electronic resources and networks, including product data, e-books, electronic journals and newspapers, web-based tutorials, online reference and document delivery services etc., all of which are accessible on campus, and off campus 24 hours per day. More information on library resources and services can be found at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library
The Learning Lab is a collection of web-based resources including tip sheets and interactive tutorials on study skills, writing, English language development and maths. Access RMIT’s Learning Lab online via this link: http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/

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

No assessment task shall be accepted more than three weeks after the due date without special consideration.

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:
a) You believe an error has occurred in the calculation of the grade; or,
b) You believe the assessment did not comply with criteria published in the Course Guide; or,
c) 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 (unresolved) – and the RMIT Student Discipline Statute and Regulations - http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=11jgnnjgg70y (unresolved)

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://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/studentcomplaintspolicy

Student complaints Procedure: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=i1lexipvjt22 (unresolved)

Student Complaints Form: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/v4ujvmyojugxz.pdf

 

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