Law and Civil Society in Asia

Subject 730-360 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008. Search for this in the current handbook Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 2-hour lecture/seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: Estimated total time commitment of 144 hours.
Prerequisites: Legal Method and Reasoning; Principles of Public Law; Torts; Legal Theory or in each case their equivalents.
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

Ms S Biddulph & Ms A Whiting
Subject Overview:

This subject analyses the concept of civil society as it relates to the legal systems of states in Northeast and Southeast Asia. This subject introduces and then critiques the concept of civil society and its applicability in contemporary Asian states.

This subject gives students an opportunity to develop a critical appreciation of the concept of civil society and how it is understood and experienced in some of the states in the Asian region including: Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong China, Vietnam, and Japan.

This subject will then consider this concept with reference to the themes of gender relations; citizenship and its boundaries; technologies of political communications; the functions of court systems; labour organisations; professional organisations such as lawyers' and bar associations; and other civil society organisations.

Note: The essay in this subject is regarded as a substantial piece of legal writing for honours purposes.
Assessment: Research essay of 5000 words, 100% (due first day of the examination period) or final examination of three hours, 100%.
Prescribed Texts: Printed materials will be issued by the Faculty of Law
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of the subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • attitudes towards knowledge that include valuing truth, openness to new ideas and ethics associated with knowledge creation and usage
  • the capacity for close reading and analysis of a range of sources
  • the capacity for critical and independent thought and reflection
  • the capacity to solve problems, including through the collection and evaluation of information
  • the capacity to communicate, both orally and in writing
  • the capacity to plan and manage time
  • the capacity to participate as a member of a team
  • intercultural sensitivity and understanding

In addition, on completion of the subject, students should have developed the following skills specific to the discipline of law:

  • to locate, evaluate and use the legal (primary and secondary source) materials of foreign jurisdictions (in English);
  • analyse the social and political issues facing cultures and make a critical and informed evaluation of the legal solutions offered in those cultures;
  • effectively communicate their research conclusions both orally (in class discussion) and in writing.

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