Law in Society

Subject 191-110 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week , 5 additional hours/week. Total of 8 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Jennifer Balint

Contact

Dr. Jennifer Balint
jbalint@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: Law in Society introduces students to theories and concepts of law and practices of law in contemporary Australian society. It will also provide a foundation both for socio-legal studies subjects in later years and for later subjects in disciplines such as politics and criminology. The course is divided into five parts. 1. Law and multiculturalism examines how law takes cultural diversity into account, what the function of law is and can be in a multicultural society, looking at issues such as the criminalisation of female genital mutilation and the determining of 'reasonable' behaviour in a multicultural society. 2. Aboriginal law and Anglo-Australian law examines the inherent tensions as well as the relationship between these two bodies of law, looking at issues such as the incorporation of 'payback' into Anglo-Australian law. 3. Law's operation examines the jury, the judges, law's accessibility, the language of law and the culture of law. 4. Law and change examines social change and the reach of law, looking at issues such as how the law deals with sexual harassment, changes in technology, racial vilification, and genocide. 5. Alternatives to law examines Alternative Dispute Resolution and institutions such as the Koori Court.
Objectives:
  • have knowledge of the theories and concepts of law and practices of law in contemporary Australian society;
  • have a foundation for later-year legal studies subjects;
  • have a foundation for later-year subjects in disciplines such as politics and criminology;
  • have an introduction to various approaches to the study of law in society.
Assessment: A written exercise of 500 words 10% (due early in the semester), an essay of 2000 words 40% (due during semester), and a take-home exam 50% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • have a capacity for independent critical thought and self-directed learning;
  • have cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills;
  • understand complex concepts and express them lucidly;
  • have an awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications;
  • have the ability to plan work and to use time effectively.
Notes:

Formerly available as 191-110. Students who have completed 191-110 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Available as a Breadth subject.
Related Course(s): Diploma in Arts (Criminology)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Australian Indigenous Studies
Australian Indigenous Studies
Australian Indigenous Studies Major
Criminology
Criminology
Criminology
Criminology Major
Socio-legal Studies Major
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology Major

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