76099 International and Comparative Study in Law (UG)

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

Description

This subject enables students to undertake a specialised short course within the discipline of law overseas, and to obtain credit for this study. This subject will provide students with an opportunity to develop their international and comparative legal knowledge, while at the same time develop legal skills taught in other legal traditions and cultures. Students will also gain intercultural awareness, adaptability and resourcefulness, and will build their capacities to become future global professionals.

There are two components to this subject. The first is the successful completion of all the requirements of the short course overseas, and the second is the successful completion of all of the requirements of this subject.

Students may choose from a range of faculty recommendations or identify their own subject for study, however before enrolling in this subject students must:

• consult and seek approval (in writing) from this subject’s coordinator that the short course will be appropriate for credit, and
• conclude enrollment in the short course overseas.

The following are some the possible features of a short course that is acceptable for recognition:

• A course presented by an overseas university;
• a structured learning experience (this may include field trips, on-location visits and lectures, and some cultural activities);
• the course’s content is within the discipline of law (this may include interdisciplinary subjects, theoretical subjects, as well as practical subjects). Please note however that this subject is not an internship subject and must therefore not overlap with 78295 Global Professional Experience Project/International Legal Internship 76098;
• while typically taught intensively, the length of the subject will be an equivalent of 24 full time hours (for post graduate students) and 36 full time hours (for undergraduate students);
• a short course may also be a UTS Law Faculty led overseas study tour. Such a course would contain most of the above features but will be convened and taught by Faculty. Assessment for these courses may also vary.

All financial, travel and visa requirements are dependent upon the host country and are to be negotiated by the student. The short course upon which this subject is based is not a Faculty or University arranged course.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes which reflect the course intended learning outcomes:

• Legal Knowledge
  A coherent understanding of fundamental areas of legal knowledge including:
  a. The Australian colonial and post-colonial legal system, international and comparative contexts, theoretical and technical knowledge;
  b. The broader contexts within which legal issues arise and the law operates including cultural awareness, social justice and policy;
  c. The impact of Anglo-Australian laws on Indigenous peoples, including their historical origins in the process of colonisation and ongoing impact; and
  d. The principles and values of justice and ethical practices in lawyers' roles. (LAW.1.1)
• Critical Analysis and Evaluation
  A capacity to think critically, strategically and creatively, including the ability to:
  a. Identify and articulate legal issues in context, including the skill of critical reading and writing;
  b. Apply reasoning and research to generate appropriate responses;
  c. Engage in critical analysis and make a reasoned choice amongst alternatives; and
  d. Think creatively in approaching legal issues and generating appropriate responses. (LAW.3.1)
• Research skills
  Well-developed cognitive and practical skills necessary to identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues. (LAW.4.1)
• Communication
  Effective and appropriate communication skills including:
  a. Highly effective use of the English language to convey legal ideas and views to different and diverse audiences and environments;
  b. An ability to communicate to inform, analyse, report and persuade;
  c. An ability to strategically select an appropriate medium and message;
  d. An ability to assess how messages are received and alter communication strategies accordingly; and
  e. An ability to be responsive and adaptive to the perspectives of collaborators, clients, counter parties and others. (LAW.5.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

Strategy 1 Statement of expectation

Before the beginning of classes students will be required to submit an outline of what they will be studying in the short course. They will be asked to identify what they expect to learn and how it will impact on their experience in the course and beyond. This statement will guide the student through the learning objectives of the course.

Targeting SLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Satisfying low stakes and early assessment and feedback

Strategy 2 Reflection piece

On their return students write a reflective piece which in part addresses their expectations of the subject. It will enable a student to critically evaluate their substantive learning in the subject and to identify aspects of their learning which they intend to pursue in their research essay.

This piece will also include the cultural knowledge students have gained and how it has affected them.
Targeting SLO 2, 4, 5

Strategy 3 Attendance and participation

Students are expected to fully engage in the subject. By fully engaging in the subject students will display learning and understanding of the material covered in the subject. A student will also have the opportunity to ask questions of their peers and of their teacher to assist them in consolidating their own learning. Engagement will also lead to collaboration and cultural competence.

Targeting SLO 1, 4, 5

Strategy 4 Research essay

The research essay is an opportunity for students to develop their learning further and to demonstrate how the short course has developed their legal knowledge and skills.

Targeting SLO 1, 3, 5

Subject Delivery

It is expected that most short courses will be taught intensively.

Content (topics)

The content of each short course will vary.

Minimum requirements

Students must attend and participate in the course and satisfy all the requirements of the institution that is running the course.

In addition students must achieve 50% overall in the assessment items listed in this subject outline.