Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Welfare Law

Credit Points: 12

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
SOCU2097	City Campus	Undergraduate	365H Global, Urban and Social Studies	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012, Sem 2 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 2 2019

Course Coordinator: Dr Russell Solomon

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 8256

Course Coordinator Email: russell.solomon@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 48.4.10

Course Coordinator Availability: Office hours Tuesdays 2pm-4pm

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None

Course Description

This course considers the evolution of the welfare state and the major legislative and significant case developments that have contributed to this area of law. Social Security law and the role of Legal Aid are considered. There is a focus upon a rights-based discourse, and gender, class, race, ethnicity and disability issues are canvassed in detail. The course also considers the evolving consumer legislation and case law, including a consideration of activist activity regarding consumer rights. There is a detailed discussion of alternative dispute resolution schemes in industry. Jurisdictional issues are discussed and the relevance of both Commonwealth and state based legislation.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

At the completion of this course you will be expected to: demonstrate knowledge of the relevant case-law and legislation relating to welfare issues including the Social Security Act 1991 (Cth); provide a knowledge of the various issues associated with Legal Aid in Australia and internationally; have an ability to ascertain the relevant law at both the state and Commonwealth level and exhibit problem-solving skills including considering industry- based alternative dispute resolution options, and in particular mediation; be able to critique, from a number of perspectives, the law; understand the issues relating to vulnerable groups in our society including an understanding of a rights-based discourse regarding gender, class, race, ethnicity, indigenous and disability; be able to evaluate a range of possible reform options and identify and reflect upon ethical dilemmas that may present in practice, and be able to demonstrate creative initiative in formulating solutions to legal problems, including exploring alternative dispute resolution options.

Overview of Learning Activities

You will be able to engage in a variety of lectures and smaller classes.

Overview of Learning Resources

You will be able to use a prescribed text.

Overview of Assessment

You will be able to prepare assessment tasks with a total word length or equivalent of 4,000 words.