Terror, Law and War

Subject CRIM90015 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 2, 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: A 2-hour seminar per week for 12 weeks.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Criminology or Politics and International Studies at Undergraduate level
Non Allowed Subjects: 166-505 Terror, Law and War
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/

Contact

Dr. Nesam McMillan nesamcm@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject considers and compares the response to terrorism around the world in the form of legal initiatives, instigations of war, and the implementation of practices of rendition, arbitrary detention and torture. These have been argued to contravene due process and the presumption of innocence, and contribute to civil and global unrest, sometimes inspiring criminal action and creating new categories of what it means to be criminal. The subject draws upon the conceptual and analytical tools of criminological and socio-legal examination including analysis of the political, social and legal construction of terror and terrorism. The inspiration for anti-terrorism initiatives and conflicting arguments about their necessity will be examined together with the (side) effects they have created. It will look at examples such as the Iraq war, the US PATRIOT Act and the anti-terrorism laws in Australia, the US and England.
Objectives:
  • To analyse the current climate of anti-terror.
  • To critically consider arguments for and against anti-terror initiatives.
  • To explore the use of anti-terrorism laws, pre-emptive war and practices of torture and rendition.
  • To consider the effects of torture and anti-terror initiatives on contemporary society.
Assessment:

A 1000-word reflective essay (20%) due during the semester and a 4000-word research essay (80%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment for this subject. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% 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:

A Subject Reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
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: CRIM90015 Terror, Law and War is a compulsory subject in the Master of Criminology (200 point program)
Related Course(s): Master of Criminology (CWT)
Master of International Relations
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Criminology
Criminology
Criminology

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