Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Information, Law and Society

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

HUSO2370

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2021,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 2 2023

Course Coordinator: Binoy Kampmark

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2174

Course Coordinator Email: binoy.kampmark@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course considers the way jurisdictions in Australia deal with information, be it the private information of the citizen, or the information in possession by states and corporations. You will be introduced to a range of legal and policy mechanisms that test the nature of how information and data (personal, security, commercial, and legal) is treated. When it might be used in courts, corporations, and the state, how this information can be accessed, and the ethical dilemmas associated with that access.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

  


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Analyse and synthesise selected areas of law relating to information, including an understanding of the law on privacy, privilege, freedom of information, and whistle blowers;
  2. Independently source relevant information law at state, commonwealth and international level where necessary and exhibit problem solving skills;
  3. Critically evaluate national and international laws relating to information
  4. Analyse and critique issues relating to the broader socio-legal implications relating to the processes in terms of handing and accessing information of various varieties (private or official);
  5. Evaluate a range of possible reform options and identify and reflect upon ethical dilemmas that may arise in practice;
  6. Apply creative initiative in formulating solutions to legal problems on information law.


Overview of Learning Activities

The aim of this course is to encourage you to solve real world problems on the dilemmas of dealing with information law through research and analysis, so learning activities will include interactive workshop activities focusing on group-based discussion and problem solving tasks. Course learning materials will be made available in a range of formats, which may include lectures, guest speakers and online media


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. There may be a prescribed text for this course.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program capabilities. Assessment may include examinations, tests and quizzes, presentations, team work, problem solving tasks, role playing, and essay writing.

Assessment Tasks  

Assessment Task 1: Essay, 40% CLO1- CLO6 

Assessment Task 2: Debate, 20%, CLO1 -CLO4   

Assessment Task 3: Exam, 40%, CLO1- CLO6 

 

Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks. 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more. 

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions.