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
The ageing population represents challenges to policy and lawmakers. How can we provide for, support and protect our senior citizens and ensure they are not excluded or discriminated against in our society? The unit examines the ways in which the law impacts on seniors. In one respect, it can be argued that all law is relevant to seniors in the same way as it is relevant to other members of the population. Yet some areas (retirement villages, retirement and income planning, certain health issues) are often quintessentially about seniors and other areas (capacity, inheritance, exploitation of dependent persons, and ending of life issues) take on a particular hue when considered in the context of older persons. The unit commences with an examination of where 'seniors and the law' fits within the legal paradigm and consider the professional and ethical considerations when representing seniors. The unit continues by examining several pertinent issues impacting on seniors and the law—capacity and consent, guardianship and decision making, elder abuse, health, housing, financial planning and succession, age discrimination and seniors in the workplace. The unit presents students with the opportunity to consider legal, policy and practical issues relevant to an ageing Australia.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) identify, discuss and critically evaluate key issues affecting seniors and how the law addresses these problems; (2) synthesise and apply general laws of broad application (for example, contract law, property law and discrimination law) and assess the impact of these laws upon seniors; (3) critically reflect upon strengths and shortcomings in the law's approach to addressing seniors' legal problems; (4) make recommendations for legal and policy reform; (5) research and write a paper on a topic negotiated with the unit coordinator; and (6) participate in debate and reflect upon that debate in the context of lectures and seminar presentations.
- Assessment
Students demonstrate achievement of the outcomes in a variety of assessment methods which may include class participation, written assignments, tests, presentations and examinations. Details of assessment are advised in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Professor Eileen Webb
- 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.
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.