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

LAWS4101 is designed to lay the foundation for student success in every other Juris Doctor unit through teaching critical thought and key concepts and skills. Students will engage with critical and comparative legal thought (including Indigenous legal systems; structural, explicit and unconscious bias; legal histories and legal change); learn how to ‘think' and ‘talk' the law (including learning and applying legal reasoning and logic); understand how to find, analyse and interpret cases and legislation; and examine management of workload, wellbeing and their future careers. The unit is taught through workshops where students are able to apply their knowledge and skills to a range of scenarios.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) critically analyse the nature and role of law; (2) apply legal logic and reasoning to construct answers to legal questions; (3) read and interpret cases and statutes; (4) communicate knowledge of the law in accordance with conventions of legal writing, expression and referencing; and (5) engage ethically and professionally with colleagues and peers.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) group in-class activity; (2) individual in-class activity; and (3) legal skills task. Further information is available in the unit outline.



This unit is assessed on an ungraded pass/ungraded failed basis. All assessment items must be successfully completed.

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

Unit Coordinator(s)
Aidan Ricciardo and Julie Falck
Contact hours
This unit is taught intensively. Students must attend classes in person (on campus) from 8:30am to 5:00pm every weekday from 12-23 February 2024. Attendance at each session is mandatory.

A full schedule with session times and venues will be released via the unit's LMS page by mid-January.
Note
This unit is taught intensively. Students must attend classes in person (on campus) from 8:30am to 5:00pm every weekday from 12-23 February 2024. All commencing JD students must attend every day of the intensive. Students cannot proceed into the JD without completing this unit.
  • 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.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • 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.