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 will explore global developments in the law and governance of technology, focusing particularly on digital technologies. This leads to encounters with privacy, intellectual property, internet governance, competition, consumer protection, and the law and politics of data, automation, and artificial intelligence. Of particular interest is the question of when the law does and—perhaps more interestingly, given the political economy of technology—when the law does not intervene. Consideration will be given to domestic and international legal developments, including supranational instruments and coordinated regulatory actions. Equipped with tools from within and beyond law, students will critically engage with the political, social and legal challenges of technological change, with an emphasising on moving beyond problem-definition to exploring and identifying solutions.

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

Students are able to (1) explain to both legal and non-legal audiences the primary areas of law that interact with and apply to technology, both nationally and internationally; (2) describe the technology policy landscape in key jurisdictions locally, nationally, and internationally; (3) evaluate the affordances, dependencies, and deficiencies of digital technologies; (4) critically analyse and compare the law and governance landscape pertaining to digital technologies within different local, national, and global contexts; (5) assess different legal and non-legal responses to technological change; (6) develop informed analysis on current law and governance debates around digital technologies; and (7) develop convincing arguments for law and governance reform, both nationally and internationally.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignment; (2) essay; and (3) exam. 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 Julia Powles and Associate Professor Jacqueline Alderson
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
20820 Juris Doctor
and LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering and five Unit(s) ( LAWS4102 Criminal Law
, LAWS4103 Contract
, LAWS4104 Property
, LAWS4106 Torts
, LAWS4107 Land Law
, LAWS4108 Foundations of Public Law and ( LAWS4109 Legal Theory and Ethics
or LAWS4110 Interpretation
) )
Approved quota: 60—first come first serve
Contact hours
This unit will run 25-29 November and 2-6 December. Students must attend every day of the intensive period.
  • 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.