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Legal Theory (LAWS50031)
Graduate coursework level 5Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
From 2023 most subjects will be taught on campus only with flexible options limited to a select number of postgraduate programs and individual subjects.
To learn more, visit COVID-19 course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Overview
Availability(Quotas apply) | Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery November - Dual-Delivery |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Legal Theory examines the nature of law, its role in society, and its relationship to morality and politics.
The questions we investigate have productive historical and conceptual traditions but no settled answers, and students will be encouraged to critically evaluate their own and others’ theories and arguments. To this end, the subject will examine a range of approaches, and assist students to further develop skills in critical analysis, reasoning and argument. The subject enables students to develop and evaluate their thinking about a number of theoretical questions, drawing on a range of conceptual approaches to the study of law.
In any one year, the specific topics to be studied in Legal Theory will be drawn from jurisprudence; law, society and culture; authority, politics and rule of law; or law, morality and ethics. These topics will be explored in the context of the plural traditions of legal theory, and by way of examples from debates about the character and role of law in society, both nationally and internationally.
Intended learning outcomes
The aim of the subject is for students to develop their conceptual understanding of law and of law’s key role in society. This understanding will be developed through individual close reading and class discussion of legal theory texts, and through collaborative analysis of contemporary political, social and ethical issues within law. Students who successfully complete the subject will be able to:
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge and understanding of the key theories and theoretical questions, topics and issues explored in the course;
- Demonstrate the ability to independently read and comprehend theoretical texts, concepts and arguments;
- Demonstrate the ability to explicate, analyse and evaluate a range of theories, arguments and perspectives, in order to engage with complex conceptual questions at an abstract level; and
- Develop and communicate reasoned and justified arguments about questions and issues in legal theory.
Generic skills
Through completion of this subject students will have practised the following skills:
- Close reading and analysis of a range of sources, including legal theory texts and interdisciplinary materials;
- A capacity to engage in critical thinking, evaluation and independent thought at an abstract level;
- A capacity to communicate knowledge and understanding of complex ideas in oral and written forms, to defined audiences;
- The ability to write effectively in descriptive, analytical, critical and reasoned modes;
- The ability to consider responses to unfamiliar or challenging ethical issues;
- The ability to participate constructively as a member of a small class, with a high level of personal accountability; and
- Intercultural awareness and understanding, demonstrated through respect for the considered views and values of others.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
All of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS50023 | Legal Method and Reasoning | Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS50024 | Principles of Public Law | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS50025 | Torts | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS50026 | Obligations | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Essay or equivalent assignment due in accordance with coordinated assessment as set by the lecturer
| During the teaching period | 45% |
Take Home Exam (2,500 words)
| During the assessment period | 45% |
Class participation | Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
Additional details
The due dates of the above assessment will be available to students via the Assessment Schedule on the LMS Community.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Shaun McVeigh Coordinator Niloshan Vijayalingam Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours Total time commitment 144 hours Pre teaching requirements Please refer to the Reading Guide on the LMS subject page for confirmation of which resources need to be read and what other preparation is required before the teaching period commences. Teaching period 25 July 2022 to 23 October 2022 Last self-enrol date 5 August 2022 Census date 31 August 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 23 September 2022 Assessment period ends 18 November 2022 - November
Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 36 hours Total time commitment 144 hours Pre teaching start date 9 November 2022 Pre teaching requirements Please refer to the Reading Guide on the LMS subject page for confirmation of which resources need to be read and what other preparation is required before the teaching period commences. Teaching period 23 November 2022 to 9 December 2022 Last self-enrol date 31 January 2022 Census date 25 November 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 6 January 2023 Assessment period ends 27 January 2023
Additional delivery details
The intensive offering of the subject is quota restricted to 140 students
Students will be approved to enter the intensive offering on a first-in basis. A waitlist will be maintained by Stop 1 once the quota has been met. Waitlisted students will be contacted if a place becomes available.
Students can apply for a waitlist place by completing an Enrolment Variation form. Students may speak to a Course Planning Advisor at Stop 1 with any queries regarding the waitlist.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
- Specialist materials will be made available via the LMS;
- You may be required to consult a textbook based on your selected stream in this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Juris Doctor - Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 31 January 2024