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 the ways in which law both creates and responds to a range of contemporary sociolegal issues faced by various minority groups in Australia. The unit uses an interdisciplinary perspective to investigate the law's recognition and treatment of individual/group differences, including differences in terms of sexuality, sex, gender identity, culture and bodies. The unit extends the written and oral communication, research and collaborative skills developed at Levels 1 and 2.

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) demonstrate advanced knowledge of how various minority groups are disadvantaged by social attitudes, institutional practices, laws and legal processes; (2) demonstrate an advanced understanding of what Australian courts and parliaments have done in seeking to remedy deficiencies in access and equality before the law; (3) assess the significance and implications of legally defining and responding to difference, including differences around sexuality, sex, gender identity, culture and bodies; (4) apply skills in independent scholarly research; and (5) demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills..

Assessment

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



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

Unit rules
Prerequisites
LAWS2227 Law in Action and at least one Level 2 Law and Society option unit.
Contact hours
3 hours per week
Note
Students may also take this unit if they have acquired the equivalent skills in other Level 1 or 2 units.
  • 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.