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.

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Upon completing this course, it is expected that students will have achieved and demonstrated:

 

 

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).