Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

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Unit Overview

Description

This unit introduces students to legal and musicological approaches to examine the place and meaning of music and law in society and to challenge conventional beliefs about law through the lens of music. While law and music are usually understood as very different disciplines, this unit is an invitation to consider how studying one can usefully inform the other. We will, for instance, explore ways in which human interaction has been shaped in these two disciplines and study the impact of ideas related to codification, interpretation, performance and professionalisation. The focus of the unit lies on the development, structure and form of Western law and classical music. However, we will also contemplate other genres and pluralistic approaches that challenge conventional beliefs about law, including the common tendency to ignore its cultural, aesthetic and emotional dimensions.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 option in the Law and Society major sequence
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe different forms of interaction between law and music; (2) identify, explain and work with key concepts related to the study of law and music; (3) reflect critically and creatively on law and music as disciplines; and (4) produce scholarly work on a socio-legal issue through the lens of music.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) participation; (2) presentation; and (3) research essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Senior Lecturer Philipp Kastner
Unit rules
Prerequisites
LAWS1110 Crime and Society (ID 1219)
and LAWS1111 Law, Conflict and Change (ID 1359)
and LAWS2227 Law in Action (ID 1259)
Contact hours
3 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.