This module is not currently running in the selected year. The information shown below is for the academic year that the module was last running in, prior to the year selected.

2012/13 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MODL5013M Précis and Document Drafting

15 creditsClass Size: 32

Module manager: Judith Hanks
Email: j.i.hanks@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2012/13

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module has two linked aims:- First, it gives training in current 'best practice' in the drafting of factual documents for maximum clarity. - At the same time, it aims to equip students with the related skills needed to quickly and accurately summarise the oral discussions and written documents that they are likely to meet in the course of their professional life.

Objectives

1. To introduce students to, and encourage critique of, the various currents of thought regarding aspects of written English in professional contexts
2. To develop analytical powers in comprehension of written (and spoken) texts
3. To develop students' skills in the concise re-expression of ideas
4. To give training in current best practice in writing style, so as to convey information and ideas cogently
5. To develop the ability to organise document content for maximum clarity
6. To develop a critical awareness of the impact of choices made in 4 & 5.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate:
- mastery of the techniques of clear, coherent document drafting at the highest level
- knowledge of the norms of best practice in writing style in a variety of professional contexts
- critical awareness of the different schools of thought regarding concepts of correctness in written English.

Skills outcomes
On completion of the module students should be able to:
- express themselves in clear, coherent and straightforward written English;
- summarise clearly and accurately the content of written or spoken texts;
- write accurate précis of written texts;
- draw up documents which clearly express given ideas, promote key information and/or effectively address given situations.

Syllabus

The following themes will be pursued throughout the course, but will not necessarily be dealt with in this order.

- The Plain English movement and its impact on document drafting
- Current debate on accuracy in language use; the significance of professional language style guides
- Writing précis of single written texts or groups of related texts
- The organisation of content in factual documents
- Rhetoric and text structure
- Linguistic choices for the promotion of a clear message
- Taking notes from short talks and discussions, for writing up into coherent summaries.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			128.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

- 5 hours per week seminar/lecture preparation and follow-up work x 11 weeks = 55 hours
- 3 hours per week language study in the Self-Access area x 11 weeks = 33 hours
- 40 hours independent study.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Informal weekly assessment of performance in seminars;
- Short (100-300 word) pieces of non-assessed précis or drafting work submitted in weeks 2, 4, 6 and 10;
- Assessed exercises submitted in week 5 and week 8 will focus on the skills and knowledge being taught.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Written Work	Précis exercise	20.00
Written Work	Summary of a written text	10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 01/10/2013

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD