DISCRIMINATION AND THE LAW
LST2DLA
Not currently offered
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 Crime, Justice and Legal Studies subject and 15 credit points of any Humanities and Social Sciences subject.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects LST2DAL, LST3DAL
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/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
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