LAW5425 - Current issues in copyright - 2017

Current Issues in Copyright requires no prior copyright knowledge: the introduction to the course will be taught lecture style to provide foundational principles for newcomers to the field and a refresher for those who already have some familiarity with copyright law. The remainder of the unit will be conducted seminar-style. Readings for each topic will be assigned in advance, and students will contribute short position papers in response throughout the semester. Courteous debate probing all sides of the various issues and identification of the underlying assumptions and value judgments will be encouraged.

The unit focuses on topics of current controversy. Topics that have been dealt with in the past include orphan works, large-scale consumer infringement, ISP copyright policing and graduated response laws, user rights and exceptions, the politics of piracy and 'bitroots' activism and anti-circumvention law.

Student input into the development of the curriculum is encouraged. If you wish to propose a particular issue for inclusion within the subject in any given year, please email the lecturer with your suggestion as early as possible.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

• Apply knowledge and understanding of recent developments in relation to national and international copyright law and policy with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice and/or for further learning
• Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in relation to current issues in copyright, relate them to proposals for law reform and critically evaluate their likely impact upon current policy challenges
• Conduct research into current issues in national and international copyright law and policy based on knowledge of appropriate research principles and methods
• Use cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate at an abstract level complex ideas and concepts relevant to Current Issues in Copyright.

Three short position papers during semester (1500 words each, 3 x 20%): 60%

In-class presentations of position papers (3 x 10%): 30%.

General class participation: 10%

Students enrolled in this unit will be provided with 24 contact hours of seminars per semester whether intensive, semi-intensive, or semester-long offering. Students will be expected to do reading set for class, and to undertake additional research and reading applicable to a 6 credit point unit.