lst3dal discrimination

DISCRIMINATION AND THE LAW

LST3DAL

2016

Credit points: 15

This subject addresses La Trobe's Sustainability Thinking Essential. Sustainability Thinking entails deep appreciation of how the choices we make affects the natural, economic, social, political and cultural systems — now and in the future.

Subject outline

Discrimination and unfavourable treatment form the basis of inequality and limit citizenship in both public and private spheres. In this subject, we examine the concepts of formal and substantive equality and the limits and possibilities of Australian anti-discrimination legislation for eliminating discrimination and promoting equality within a broader societal context. We also evaluate the extent to which law itself perpetuates, or contributes to, varying forms of inequality. The specific topics that we focus on include: race; religion; sex; sexuality; disability; age; and age discrimination.

SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorNicola Henry

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites 15 credit points of any first year Legal Studies subject and 15 credit points of any Humanities or Social Sciences subject, or subject coordinator's approval.

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjects LST2DAL

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsWeekly readings available via LMS and/or e-reserve in the library.PrescribedN/AN/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Apply and relate the theoretical exploration of key concepts (on equality and discrimination) to personal conceptions of identity and citizenship, reflecting on the sameness/difference dichotomy and the tendency towards discrimination throughout human history.

Activities:
Tutorial discussion and activity; research essay

02. Demonstrate an understanding of ideology and the power of law as a social institution. This includes demonstrating an appreciation of the arguments surrounding the construction of both the "self" and the "other" in social, political and legal discourse.

Activities:
Tutorial discussion and activity; quizzes; research essay

03. Locate and summarise relevant Internet material on discrimination and/or the social effects of anti-discrimination legislation and identify problems and/or issues raised within it, using the key themes and concepts of the subject.

Activities:
Face and issue sheet; online and structured learning activities; research essay

04. Use complex theories to understand the nature of discrimination in society; and also the contested role of law in regulating behaviour and resolving disputes.

Activities:
Tutorial discussion and activity; quizzes; research essay

05. Write about the anti-discrimination legislative framework in Australia, demonstrating a good understanding of the key social issues that are framed by this discourse, and demonstrating a good understanding of the potentials and limitations of law, as well as law's power to control and regulate human subjects and define social values and objects.

Activities:
Research essay; fact and issue sheet

06. Write coherently, using complex interdisciplinary theories, about the gap between formal and substantive equality, and comment on the systemic nature of discrimination in Australian society contrasted to the liberal ideals of justice, equality and rights.

Activities:
Research essay

07. Collaborate on written work, including providing feedback to others, and incorporating feedback received from others.

Activities:
Peer review

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2016, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNicola Henry

Class requirements

TutorialWeek: 32 - 43
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 32 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Eight quizzes (equivalent to 700 words)1502, 04
One fact and issue sheet (equivalent to 1000 words)1503, 05
One peer review assignment (equivalent to 1000 words)2007
One 2000 word research essay5001, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06