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.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

The law affects each and every one of us, although not always in the same way. The vast majority of people are unaware of the many legal issues that can impact on everyday lives.This unit will introduce students to some of the most fundamental legal concepts as well as providing practical guidance in navigating legal issues that can be encountered on a day to day basis. Covering all major aspects of a person's life, such as working, consuming, renting and using the internet, this unit will be particularly useful to those students new to adulthood.

The unit will provide an introduction to the law, including the nature and role of law, sources and the court system before moving on to a consideration of core legal concepts, such as Criminal Law, Torts and Contract. These core concepts will be interspersed with practical topics, examining how these central legal principles may arise in a real world context. These practical topics will include driving, working, housing, medical care, and purchasing goods and services, as well as how to advocate for change in the law.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 1 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain the key legal issues that impact on everyday life and critique how these issues may impact on their own lives; (2) identify and discuss the legal issues that arise in a range of hypothetical fact situations; (3) apply the relevant principles of law and construct arguments as to the legal rights and duties of the parties involved in hypothetical scenarios; (4) explain the operation of the principal institutions of the legal system and the core legal concepts of contract, tort and criminal law; and (5) describe and critique the interrelationship of the core legal concepts with the broader legal topics covered.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial participation; (2) assignment; and (3) examination. 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)
Aidan Ricciardo and Amy Thomasson
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.