UWA Handbook 2022

Law and Society scholars examine broad theoretical issues about the nature of law and society as well as how the relationship between the two plays out in particular fields of legal and social policy at both domestic and international levels. Study in this discipline develops important skills in research, analysis, teamwork and communication.

Honours in Law and Society is designed to increase understanding of important theoretical perspectives, while also developing key practical skills relevant to work in or with government and non-government organisations (e.g. policy development and implementation). Through close attention to key texts, and the examination of critical current issues and debates, students will expand and deepen their specialist knowledge gained in the Law and Society major, and develop advanced-level research and critical thinking skills.

Outcomes: Students are able to (1) demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of key theories, concepts and issues in law and society; (2) demonstrate a broad understanding of relevant socio-legal research methodologies; (3) synthesise literature and research findings with intellectual independence to provide understanding of complex socio-legal challenges; (4) apply their knowledge, research and writing skills in order to design and execute an original law and society research project; and (5) demonstrate understanding of theoretical concepts in law and society through both cognitive and technical skills.

Entry requirements: Enrolment in the BPhil or a weighted average mark of at least 70 per cent in the Level 3 units of the Law and Society major, or equivalent, as determined by the relevant board.

Intake periods: Beginning of year only

Honours in Law and Society can be taken as a specialisation in the following degrees:

• BH001 Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Honours sequence

Key to availability of units:
S1 = Semester 1; S2 = Semester 2; N/A = not available in 2022; NS = non-standard teaching period

Note:Units that are indicated as N/A may be available in 2023 or 2024.

Take all units (36 points):

Availability	Unit code	Unit name	Unit rules
S1, S2	LAWS4201	Dissertation (Law and Society) Part 1	Prerequisites: LAWS3341 Investigating Law and Society or LAWS3344 Law and Contemporary Social Issues or LAWS3316 Law, Advocacy, Activism and Change Co-requisites: Nil Incompatibility: Nil
S1, S2	LAWS4202	Dissertation (Law and Society) Part 2	Prerequisites: LAWS4201 Dissertation (Law and Society) Part 1 Co-requisites: Nil Incompatibility: Nil
NS	LAWS4227	Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions	Prerequisites: Nil Co-requisites: Nil Incompatibility: Students with a recognised Law degree or LAWS5227 Foundations of Law and Governance.
S1	LAWS4509	Introduction to Legal Research (Part A)	Prerequisites: Enrolment in Business Law, Law and Society or Criminology honours program. Co-requisites: Nil. Incompatibility: Nil.
S2	LAWS4510	Introduction to Legal Research (Part B)	Prerequisites: LAWS4509 Introduction to Legal Research (Part A) (ID 7976) Co-requisites: Nil. Incompatibility: Nil.

Take unit(s) to the value of 12 points:

Availability	Unit code	Unit name	Unit rules
N/A	LAWS4001	Oceans Governance	Prerequisites: Nil. Co-requisites: Nil. Incompatibility: Nil.
NS	LAWS5215	Theory & Practice of Risk Regulation	Prerequisites: Nil. Co-requisites: Nil. Incompatibility: Nil.
N/A	LAWS5223	Theories of Justice and Punishment	Prerequisites: For Master of Public Policy or Graduate Certificate of Public Policy students without a recognised Law degree: LAWS4227 Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions. Co-requisites: Nil. Incompatibility: Nil.
NS	LAWS5224	Foundations of Public International Law	Prerequisites: For Master of Public Policy or Graduate Certificate of Public Policy students without a recognised Law degree: LAWS4227 Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions. Co-requisites: Nil. Incompatibility: Nil.
NS	LAWS5226	International Human Rights Law	Prerequisites: Nil. Co-requisites: for Master of International Law (coursework) (21520) and Graduate Diploma in International Law (21320) students: LAWS5224 Foundations of Public International Law or equivalent; for students in other courses: none Incompatibility: Nil.
NS	LAWS5260	Intersections of Law, Policy and Government	Prerequisites: Nil. Co-requisites: Nil Incompatibility: Nil
NS	POLS5501	The Politics of Public Policy	Prerequisites: Nil. Co-requisites: Nil. Incompatibility: LAWS5214 Public Policy