Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Law and Society

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

LAW2616

City Campus

Preparatory

TRN RMIT UP

Face-to-Face

 Term1 2022,
Term2 2022,
Term1 2023,
Term2 2023,
Term1 2024,
Term2 2024,
Term1 2025

LAW2617

RMIT University Vietnam

Preparatory

TRN RMIT UP

Face-to-Face

 Viet2 2022,
Viet2 2023,
Viet1 2024,
Viet2 2024,
Viet1 2025

LAW2618

RMIT Vietnam Hanoi Campus

Preparatory

TRN RMIT UP

Face-to-Face

 Viet1 2023,
Viet2 2023,
Viet1 2024,
Viet2 2024,
Viet1 2025

Course Coordinator: Leanne Ryan

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 8747

Course Coordinator Email: rmit.training.fs.team.leaders@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: B85-03-001 (Melbourne City Campus)

Course Coordinator Availability: Mon- Fri, 9AM - 5PM (AEST)


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.


Course Description

In this course you will be introduced to the adversarial legal system used in Australia and other common law countries. Students will examine the system of governance, the legislative process, the main sources of law, dispute resolution methods and legal institutions. Through the exploration of recent law reform, students will contemplate law-making as a reflection of the needs of society. Students will analyse the effectiveness of the legal system to respond to the need for law reform.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

See Learning Outcomes.


Program Learning Outcomes:

  1. Apply the rules of, and expectations for, academic study and assume responsibility for your own actions to work effectively as an individual and/or as a member of a group;
  2. Develop and express ideas through independent reading, the creation of images, and the collection and interpretation of data and information; 
  3. Communicate ideas with clarity, logic, and originality in both spoken and written English;
  4. Construct coherent arguments, narratives or justifications of issues, problems or technical processes when undertaking analytical, practical or creative tasks; and
  5. Use a range of contemporary digital and learning technologies, tools and methods common to the discipline.

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Describe the structure of the legal system of a common law country and explain the role played by the courts, including the High Court.
  2. Distinguish between criminal and civil justice systems and analyse the key concepts of each system.
  3. Outline the key features, means and venues for criminal and civil dispute resolution.
  4. Investigate the role of individuals and groups in law reform, law reform bodies and research an example of a law reform inquiry.


Overview of Learning Activities

This course includes a blend of didactic, active, and collaborative learning activities designed to meet the needs of international students. The course encourages the process of inquiry, application and reflection through student centred learning and teaching activities including practical work in studio environments and laboratories . In doing so, there will be a focus on the development of critical and analytical thinking skills that promote problem solving, independent research skills and group work. Students will develop their technology skills through engagement in formative and summative assessments. The course will maximise the use of the learning management system by incorporating flipped and blended methodologies. This may be complemented by guest lectures, excursions and speakers with discipline specific work life expertise to further connect content to the professional world and generate opportunities for reflective practice.


Overview of Learning Resources

Various learning resources are available through RMIT’s learning management system, Canvas. In addition to assessment details and a study schedule, you will also be provided with links to relevant course information, class activities and communication tools. 

Other learning resources are also available online through RMIT Library. Visit the RMIT library website for further details. Academic and learning support is provided through Study Success at RMIT Training. The Foundation Studies home group program will also provide support, navigating university systems, advice on living and studying in Melbourne as well as explaining RMIT university policy and procedures.

Additional resources and/or sources to assist your learning will be identified by your course coordinator and will be made available to you as required during the teaching period.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment

Weighting 

Test

 20%

Report on a Court Hierarchy

 20%

Case Study Analysis

 30%

Law Reform Report & Presentation

 30%