lst2dla discrimination and the law

DISCRIMINATION AND THE LAW

LST2DLA

2018

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

Discrimination and unfavourable treatment form the basis of inequality and the exclusion of 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, inequality. The specific topics that we focus on include: race (including Indigenous disadvantage and vilification); religion (including religious vilification); sex (including sexual harassment, breast-feeding and pregnancy-related discrimination); sexuality (including same-sex marriage, access to assisted reproductive technologies and vilification); disability (including intellectual and physical impairment, as well as the controversies associated with discrimination on the grounds of obesity and mental illness); age (including workplace, educational and media forms of age discrimination); and physical appearance.

SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorEmma Russell

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 2 - 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 and Social Sciences subject, or subject coordinator's approval.

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjects LST2DAL; LST3DAL

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsWeekly readings available via LMSPrescribedN/AN/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Critically define and examine the key concepts of "equality" and "discrimination" from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Activities:
Tutorial discussion and activities; peer review assignment; research essay
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)

02. Demonstrate an understanding of how key concepts (on equality and discrimination) apply and relate to personal conceptions of self, identity and citizenship.

Activities:
Tutorial discussion and activities; quizzes; peer review assignment; research essay
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)

03. Use interdisciplinary theories to understand the nature of discrimination in society, as well as the effects of law on human subjects.

Activities:
Tutorial discussion and activities; quizzes; peer review assignment; research essay
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)

04. Locate and summarize relevant Internet material on discrimination and/or the social effects of anti-discrimination legislation.

Activities:
Fact and issue sheet; research essay
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

05. Write about anti-discrimination legislation in Australia, demonstrating an understanding of the limits and potential of law as a social force.

Activities:
Fact and issue sheet; research essay
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

06. Write 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
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Inquiry/Research)

Subject options

Select to view your study options…

Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2018, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorEmma Russell

Class requirements

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.

TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Ten weekly quizzes (equivalent to 800 words)2002, 03
One fact and issue sheet (equivalent to 1,000 words)2004, 05
One peer review assignment (equivalent to 1,000 words)2001, 02, 03
One 1,500 word research essay4001, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06