LAW5324 - Discrimination law, theory and policy - 2018

In this unit, students will critically examine the law of anti-discrimination in Australia. There will be a focus on the law's theoretical underpinnings, and underlying policy concerns. The unit will deal largely, although not exclusively, with Commonwealth anti-discrimination law. The latter portion of the unit will involve an examination of anti-discrimination principles in specific contexts drawn from, amongst others: the use of genetic testing to determine people's entitlement to particular benefits (such as favourable migration status); prohibitions on religious and racial vilification; same-sex marriage; and prohibitions on the wearing of religious clothing and artefacts

On completion of this unit a students will be able to:

• Apply knowledge and understanding of recent developments in relation to anti-discrimination law in Australia 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 the various anti-discrimination law and issues arising as a result of the law's theoretical underpinnings and underlying policy concerns.
• Conduct research into the legal position pertaining to, and policy concerns arising in respect of, the application of anti-discrimination principles based on knowledge of appropriate research principle and methods.
• Use cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate at an abstract level complex ideas and concepts relevant to the application of anti-discrimination principles to specific contexts.

Research assignment (3,750 word): 50%

Take-home examination (3,750 word): 50%

24 contact hours per teaching period (either intensive, semi-intensive or semester long, depending on the Faculty resources, timetabling and requirements).