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 focuses on law as one of a number of social forces within contemporary society that regulate the human body. It explores the range of ways in which socio-legal pressure is brought to bear on bodies, including through criminal law, property law, human rights law, normative standards of conduct and appearance, and identity documentation. This unit draws on theories about power and embodiment to assess both the extent to which law regulates bodies and the ideas about ‘the body' that the law draws on to structure this regulation. Through a series of case studies centered around different kinds of bodies and different techniques of body alteration, the unit explores how law's regulation of the body differs from its lived realities.

Credit
6 points
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an advanced understanding of how social and legal forces regulate and engage with the body; (2) draw on socio-legal theory to evaluate the ideas about the body that law employs to structure this regulation; (3) critically analyse the role of law in the regulation of bodies, with special reference to the lived realities of embodiedness; and (4) undertake enquiry-based learning and original research.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research paper; (2) tutorial work; and (3) written exercise. 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)
Dr Theodore Bennett
Unit rules
Advisable prior study
LAWS2227 Law in Action, LAWS3341 Investigating Law and Society
Contact hours
seminars: 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.
  • 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.