Course Title: Read and write complex texts for research purposes
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2017
Course Code: LANG5801
Course Title: Read and write complex texts for research purposes
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
Jane Collins 51.2
Beverley Carlton 51.2
Jacqui Cheng 51.2
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 background other than English for further study purposes. In this unit you will focus on reading, notetaking and research writing skills in English and producing a wide range of complex research based texts relevant to study needs and the field of study. This unit is delivered as part of an integrated academic preparation program.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU21511 Read and write complex texts for research purposes |
Element: |
1 Analyse a range of complex texts for research purposes |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify and access a range of complex texts relevant to research purposes |
Element: |
2 Read and take notes from a range of complex written texts for research purposes |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Confirm purpose of note-taking |
Element: |
3 Produce an extended written text based on research |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Confirm requirements and purpose of an extended written text |
Element: |
4 Reference resources used in research based text according to specified referencing conventions |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Identify the purposes and conventions of referencing in formal study contexts and in own specific study field |
Element: |
5 Undertake a review of written texts |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Use proofreading and editing processes to review text |
Learning Outcomes
The outcomes described in this unit relate to:
The ISLPR (International Second Language Proficiency Ratings) descriptors for Reading and Writing. They contribute directly to the achievement of ISLPR Reading 3/3+ and Writing 3/3+
and
the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of Reading and Writing competence 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.
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 Blackboard (Mystudies) on the first day of each teaching week.
This unit in part covers the reading & writing macro skills addressed in the certificate.
Examples of how you will practise and study the units:
READING
You are encouraged to read a wide range of texts relevant to the study context. You will:
- read opinion texts & extended academic texts
- study issues in the news
WRITING
In a variety of writing activities, you will improve your sentence structure and learn how to use different writing styles. This will include course applications & essays. You will:
- learn to locate and record references used
- reflect on issues and your own learning
- learn about research for essay 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.
Teaching Schedule
Course Dates:
17 July – 24 November 2017
Mid-Semester Break:
Monday 25th September – Friday 6th October 2017
Public Holidays:
Melbourne Cup Holiday Tuesday 7 November 2017
This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program.This unit is clustered with VU21512 (LANG5797) Read and Write Complex Texts for Research Purposes and VU20746 (GEDU5990) Apply Essential Further Study Skills.
It is Cluster 1 - Analyse, Read and Write Complex Texts, Essential Further Study Skills.
| Week |
VU21511 Read and write complex texts for research purposes |
VU21511 | VU21512 | VU20746 |
| 1 |
Orientation/Administration: Skills Survey, my RMIT, Blackboard Diagnostic Tasks Introduce Assessment Task 1 Group summary Group work Writing Focus: Topic Sentences and structure Reading Tutorial |
E2 |
E1 E2 |
E1 E5 |
| 2 |
Preparation for essay: read & take notes from a range of texts Model essay- deconstructed Writing Focus: Paragraphs Unity and Coherence Learning Strategies and Contexts Research Reading Tutorial Introduce Assessment Task 3 Expository Essay |
E1 E2 E3 |
E1 E2 |
E1 E2 E5 |
| 3 |
Learning Strategies and Contexts Writing focus:
In text referencing Reference list Research Collaborative learning Assessment task: Group summary Group work Reading Tutorial Introduce Assessment Rubric |
E1
E2 E3 |
E1
E2 E3 |
E1 E5 |
| 4 |
Writing focus:
Harvard Referencing Reading Tutorial |
E1 E2 E3 E4 |
E1 E2 E3 |
E3 E4 E5 |
| 5 |
Assessment Task 3: Exposition Essay Plan Reading and Writing Focus: Direct Quotes and In-text referencing
Grammar Focus: Complex Sentences Reading Tutorial |
E1 E2 E3 E4 |
E1 E2 |
E3
E4 E5 |
| 6 |
Exposition Essay draft Peer editing using rubric Assessment Task 3 Exposition essay draft submitted to Turnitin Reading Tutorial |
E1
E2 E3 E4 |
E1
E2 E3
|
E3 E4 E5
|
| 7 |
Assessment Task 3:Exposition Essay due submit through Turnitin Library Tour: Database research Essay structure Block/point by point Model essay deconstructed Reading Tutorial |
E1
E2 E3 E4 |
E3
E4
|
E3
E5 |
| 8 |
Argumentative essay assessment introduced Argumentative essay structure:
Writing focus: reporting verbs Reading Tutorial |
E1 E2 E3 E4 |
E1 E2 E3 E4
|
E3
|
| 9 |
Argumentative essay skills Research Reading Tutorial Revision of paraphrasing, summarising & direct quotes (how to punctuate and correctly reference) Proof reading and editing
|
E1
E2 E3 E4 E5 |
E1 | E1 |
| 10 |
Compare Essays vs Reports: Collaborative learning Groups organised Group work Content, language , structure Research Report topic focus Reading Tutorial |
E5 |
E1 E2 E3 E4 |
E5 |
| 11 |
Assessment Task 8: Argumentative essay draft Peer editing using rubric Research Report *Find relevant journal & newspaper articles using databases *Find books or ebooks using the RMIT Library catalogue *Record reference details *Read and Writing Focus Model Report Structure *Synthesis Reading Tutorial |
E2 E3
|
E1 E2 E3 |
E2 E5 |
| 12 |
Reading and Writing Focus: Paraphrasing Findings (section of Report) Research Skills Reading Tutorial Assessment Task 8: Argumentative Essay submitted through Turnitin |
E1 E2 E4 |
E1 E2
|
E2 E5 |
| 13 |
Do research for report assessment task: Findings (section of Report) Interpreting non verbal data, graphs statistics Discussion |
E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 |
E3 E4
|
E2 E5 |
| 14 |
Reading and Writing Focus: discussion (section of Report) Undertake a review and edit research report |
E3
E4 E5 |
E3 E4
|
E2 E5 |
| 15 |
Focus: Introduction (section of Report) Focus: Abstract (section of Report) Peer editing using rubric Assessment Task 12: Research Report draft due submit through Turnitin |
E3 E4 E5
|
E3 E4
|
E5 |
| 16 | Assessment Task 12:Research Report due - edit & proofread & submit report through Turnitin |
E1 E2 |
E1 E2 E3 E4 |
E1 E3 |
| 17 | Review of academic reading and writing skills |
E1 E2 |
E1 E2 E3 E4 |
E1 E3 |
**The teaching schedule maybe subject to change. Students will be advised via Blackboard and in class should changes occur.
Your program is made up of:
- Orientation
- Learning activities
- Mid semester review
- 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 not 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
This course is part of a full-time integrated program. 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 notetaking, summaries,essays and research reports.
Feedback:
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 Summary (Week 3)
You will be placed in group. Each group will write a summary on a given topic.
Assessment Task 3: Exposition Essay Draft (Week 6); Final (Week 7)
You will research, plan and draft an expository essay. The draft will be written in class.The final draft will be submitted via Turnitin
Assessment Task 8: Argumentative EssayDraft (Week 11); Final (Week 12)
You will research, plan, draft an argumentative essay. The final draft will be done in class and submitted.
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 group research using academic texts and writing an individual report identifying the genre, the key facts and discussing the research. The group research involves group meetings and minute taking and academic research using a variety of text types and summarising.
Formative assessments: ongoing observations, summaries and review of student work
Please note:
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 the required skills and knowledge. 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 sucessfully 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:
• have a significant adverse impact on your performance in assessment or
• prevent you from attempting or submitting the assessment. Special Consideration www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a 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