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International Aspects of Social Justice - LAWS4182
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Faculty: Faculty of Law
 
 
School:  Faculty of Law
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Postgraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 8
 
 
EFTSL: 0.16667 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 2
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: Academic Program must be either 9200, 9210, 9230, 9240, 5740, 5760, 9211 or 5211.
 
 
Fee Band: 3 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
  

Description

The course examines ways in which inter-governmental organisations, agreements and other international processes can advance social justice. It is concerned with both the global level, especially within the UN system, and also the regional level in groupings such as the European Union and the Association of South East Asian Nations.

The course focuses principally on organisations, agreements and practices which establish or closely affect economic and social rights, especially in the context of rapid economic and technological globalisation. Special attention is given to the role of civil society organisations in the processes by which such organisations, agreements and practices can be developed, monitored and enforced. The course will include expert guest speakers as well as a research essay.

This course is also available to students undertaking relevant postgraduate non-law degree programs at UNSW, provided such enrolment is approved by the appropriate non-law Faculty.

LLM Specialisations

International Law; Human Rights and Social Justice.

Recommended Prior Knowledge

None

Course Objectives

Upon completing this course, it is expected that students will have achieved and demonstrated:
  • Sound analytical understanding of the issues covered by it
  • An ability to communicate that understanding effectively in writing and orally
  • Detailed knowledge and analysis of a particular aspect of the course about which they have researched and presented a research essay

Main Topics

  • Globalisation and Nation States
  • International Agreements and International Organisations
  • Global Governance and Social Justice
  • Regional Governance and Social Justice
  • Civil Society Organisations and International Governance
  • International Labour Standards and Social Justice
  • International Trade and Social Justice
  • International Taxation and Social Justice
  • Corporate Responsibility and Social Justice

Assessment

Presentation and class participation Presentation; Preparation and engagement in class 30%
Research essay 5,000 - 6,000 words 70%
 

Presentation and class participation

Students will be required to make a 15 minute presentation at the final class, followed by up to 10 minutes of discussion, on the topic on which they are submitting a research essay. Class participation and this presentation will count for 30% of the final assessment.

The principal criteria for the presentation will be clarity, accuracy and relevance of factual presentation; clarity, persuasiveness and relevance of argument; and the effectiveness of oral communication to the class.

The criteria for assessing class participation will be attendance at classes; demonstrated preparation for class; and willingness to contribute to class discussions and to ask and respond to questions. The Law Faculty requires students to attend at least 80% of classes.

Research Essay

Students will be required to complete and submit a 5,000-6,000 word research essay. The topic for the essay will be chosen by the student, subject to the lecturer's approval, and a list of suggested topics will be made available at the second class. The essay will count for 70% of the final assessment.

Assessment criteria for this essay include the creativity, accuracy and thoroughness of research; the clarity and logic of the essay structure; the clarity, accuracy and relevance of the factual presentation; the persuasiveness and relevance of the argument; and the correctness of referencing.

Essays must be submitted by the due date One mark will be deducted from the student's assessed mark for each full day late, and one mark deducted for each full 100 words above the prescribed maximum number of words (which includes footnotes but not bibliography).

Course Texts

Prescribed
Course Materials must be purchased from the UNSW Bookshop

Additional materials will be distributed at least a week in advance of the class to which they relate.

Recommended
See above.

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.