Law in Social Theory

Subject SOLS30001 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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: 1 x 1.5 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Criminology or Socio-Legal Studies at Levels 1 & 2
Non Allowed Subjects: 191-301 Law in Social Theory
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Jennifer Balint

Contact

Dr. Jennifer Balint jbalint@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

Law in Social Theory builds upon issues introduced in Law in Society, and Law, Justice and Social Change. It examines the theories of the function and role of law propounded by a range of social and legal theorists and movements, including Habermas, Bourdieu, Luhmann, Critical Legal Studies, Feminist Legal Theory, Derrida and others. Students examine these different theories of how law works and law's role in relation to society. Each week, the potentials and limitations of these theories are considered in light of and tested against contemporary socio-legal problems selected by the students and the lecturer. Students conceptualise their chosen case study through the perspective of particular theorists. Case studies in the past have included the David Hicks trial, the Mabo decision, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, closure of live music venues, Aboriginal customary law in the courts, corporate manslaughter, honour killings, sex discrimination in the workplace, the use of art experts in the courtroom, prostitution legislation. The purpose of the course is thus two-fold: to become familiar with different theories of the function of law in relation to society, and to consider the insight these theories bring to different socio-legal problems.

Objectives:
  • have knowledge of the theories of the role of law propounded by a range of social and legal theorists and theoretical movements.
  • consider the insight these theories bring, and their potentials and limitations, in relation to different socio-legal problems.
  • consider the use of theory in understanding law and its operation.
Assessment:

A Class Presentation and Report (20%) due early in the semester, a Research Essay (30%) due mid - late semester and a take home exam (50%) due during the examination Period.

This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% Tutorial attendance. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment or sit the final examination. Regular participation in tutorials is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:
  • An Introduction to Law and Social Theory, Reza Banakar and Max Travers ed, Oxford Hart Publishing, 2002.
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 highly developed cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • have an advanced understanding of complex concepts and the ability to express them lucidly in writing and orally.
  • have sophisticated awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications.
  • have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively.
Notes: Available as a Breadth subject to non-Bachelor of Arts students
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Public Policy and Management
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Anthropology and Social Theory
Criminology
Criminology
Criminology
Criminology Major
Social Theory
Socio-legal Studies Major
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology Major
Related Breadth Track(s): Law and Justice

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