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) critically 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) critically 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
20810 Doctor of Juridical Science
Incompatibility
Enrolment in
LAWS5296 Technology Law and Governance
Contact hours
November Intensive. Attendance compulsory on 18/29/30 Nov
5/6/7 Dec 2023
Note
Students must attend every day of the intensive period 28 Nov - 7 December 2023. See the timetable for exact times.
  • 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.