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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Project - LAWS3306
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Faculty: Faculty of Law
 
 
School:  Faculty of Law
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 0
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

This course affords Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Law students the opportunity to work in the Social Justice Unit within the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission which undertakes advocacy or research on aspects of policy and practice relating to issues concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders communities. The Project is specially designed for ATSI law students at UNSW providing formal and informal training, as well as supervised practical experience, in planning and implementing key aspects of research, writing, advocacy and related activities. It constitutes a Special Measure under s 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 because it intends to promote greater representation of Indigenous Australians in social justice, research and advocacy roles relating to the rights of Indigenous people.

Each successful applicant for participation in the Project is to attend the offices of the Human Right and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) which will assign a Supervisor from its Social Justice Unit for student participant. Students will work under the supervision of a Supervisor within HREOC and a Law Faculty designated Academic Supervisor, who will be responsible for monitoring their academic progression throughout the session.

Student participants are required to attend the HREOC for the equivalent of two days each week over 5 weeks, by arrangement between the Academic Convenor and the Social Justice Unit in HREOC.


Recommended Prior Knowledge

Applicants must be in their later years of law studies, have completed Litigation 1 and be eligible to undertake law electives.

Course Objectives

The principal goal of the Program is to provide students with training and practical experience in research, writing and advocacy on aspects of policy and practice relating to human rights as they effect Indigenous Australians. The specific aims of the course are to:
  • Promote greater representation of Indigenous Australians in social justice, research and advocacy roles relating to the rights of Indigenous Australians
  • Assist students to develop an understanding of the issues involved in legal practice and policy-making in the area of Human Rights
  • Allow students to develop awareness that law is a people profession
  • Consolidate students' skills related to legal practice and policy advocacy, such as legal analysis, writing, research and strategic planning
  • Sharpen students' skills related to their professional lives, including refining their ability to communicate clearly in written and oral forms, and developing their commitment to ethical practice and policy-making
  • Assist students to recognise human rights issues present in the broader administration of the law, in the court system and in government policy
At the end of this course, students should:
  • Have developed an appreciation for the professional and personal responsibilities associated with the practice of law
  • Have observed and participated in a high level of problem solving flowing from the development of policy or legal practice
  • Understand the differences between the development of law in the international system, as opposed to a domestic system
  • Have developed the skills to evaluate the impact of law on individuals, Indigenous communities and the Australian society as a whole
  • Communicate effectively, in speaking and in writing: conducting research; preparing or editing written material (e.g., research, issues or briefing papers; parliamentary submissions; formal legal documents; articles; submissions; web resources; newsletters; etc); developing and utilising networks of organisations and individuals; organising and conducting interviews, delegations, seminars, media conferences and other meetings; preparing speeches or other oral presentations

Assessment

Weekly reflective notes 30%
Portfolio of written material 40%
Social Justice Unit evaluation 30%
Satisfactory attendance at HREOC offices
 

Course Texts

None.

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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.