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 consists of three parts: (1) international human rights law—the theory, nature and origins of human rights, development of modern human rights law under United Nations leadership (including United Nations reform), international human rights covenants, instruments and mechanisms (with particular reference to Australia), a selected regional mechanism for human rights law and emerging issues in human rights law; (2) Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and Commonwealth human rights legislation—overview of the AHRC and Commonwealth legislative anti-discrimination framework which partially implements international conventions and declarations; and (3) special study: Charter of Rights—consideration of issues and developments (both charter and post-charter) in Australian law and policy at commonwealth, state and territory levels, based on key international human rights instruments.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate a thorough critical introductory understanding of key human rights institutions, principles, laws and practices at international and national levels; (2) have an understanding of the philosophical and policy bases and historical evolution of human rights law; (3) demonstrate familiarity with international human rights institutional and treaty arrangements, processes, documents and jurisprudence; (4) construct and articulate international human rights arguments applicable in international and domestic legal forums to test and challenge the applicability of laws and their interpretation; (5) appreciate the relevance of international human rights norms for the Australian legal system; (6) comprehend in general terms the operation and ambit of commonwealth human rights legislation; and (7) critically evaluate and articulate issues and arguments surrounding charters of rights and post-charter developments.
- Assessment
Students demonstrate achievement of the outcomes in a variety of assessment methods which may include a research paper and an examination. 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)
- NA
- Contact hours
- lectures/seminars: 3 hrs per week
- Texts
-
Smith, R. K. M. Textbook on International Human Rights, 4th edn: OUP 2010
Readings in human rights law (to be advised) - Recommended
reading -
Steiner, H. et al. International Human Rights in Context: Law, Politics, Morals, 3rd edn: OUP 2008
- 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.