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
This unit examines critical theories of identity and their relationships with the law. It covers feminist theories, theories of sexual and gender orientation and masculinities as well as theories of intersection, between race, gender and sexuality. The first part of the unit is a survey of approaches taken by general and legal theorists. The second part examines several areas of law and society from the perspective of these ideas. The areas may include: homicide (reforms to defences); law relating to the economic life of women (e.g. pay discrepancies and the 'glass ceiling'); reproductive technology laws; and internet regulation. The unit emphasises inquiry into ideas rather than the learning of legal doctrine. It extends written and oral communication skills with a focus on theoretical and analytical discourse. This is a seminar unit: face to face participation applies to all of the three hours per week and none of the classes are recorded.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 2 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 option in the Law and Society; Gender Studies; Criminology and Criminal Justice major sequences
- Level 3 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate knowledge of (a) key general and legal theories of gender and sexuality and their historical development; (b) how law shapes and responds to cultural norms; and (c) how law contributes to social change and (2) develop skills in (a) reading and understanding complex theoretical texts; (b) analysing and comparing theoretical perspectives; (c) reading critical legal materials; (d) oral and written communication; and (e) reflective thinking concerning the relationship between theory and personal, concrete experience.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) participation at seminars/tutorials; (2) response papers; and (3) major 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)
- Associate Professor Stella Tarrant
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- For Criminology major students: LAWS1110 Crime and Society, LAWS2223 Criminal Justice System and at least one other Level 2 option unit from any major.
For all other students: LAWS2227 Law in Action
or LAWS2220 Birth, Life, Death and the Law and at least one other Level 2 Law and Society option.
- Contact hours
- 3 hours per week
- Note
- The classes in this unit will not be recorded.
- Recommended
reading -
Tong, R. P. and Fernandez Botts, T., Feminist Thought: A More Comprehensive Introduction, 5th edn: Westview Press 2017 ISBN-13: 978-0813349954 ISBN-10: 0813349958
Krien, A. Night Games: Sex, Power and Sport, Black Inc 2013
- 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.