Terror, Law and War

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

Criminology or Politics and International Studies at Undergraduate level

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/

This subject considers and compares the response to terrorism around the world. Of particular interest will be legal responses, instigations of war, and the implementation of practices of rendition, arbitrary detention and torture. These practices 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.

On completion of this subejct students should be able to:

• analyse the current climate of anti-terror;
• critically consider arguments for and against anti-terror initiatives;
• explore the use of anti-terrorism laws, pre-emptive war and practices of torture and rendition;
• consider the effects of torture and anti-terror initiatives on contemporary society.

• A reflective piece equivalent to 1000 words (20%) due during the first six weeks of semester
• A take home assignment equivalent to 1,500 words (30%) due during semester
• Research essay of 2,500 words (50%) 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. Regular participation in class 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.

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

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should:

• 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.