law5hra human rights advocacy
HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY
LAW5HRA
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject has been designed to enable students to develop their communication and research skills in the context of human rights practice. Working closely with legal practitioners from the organization Australian Lawyers for Human Rights, students will engage in activities designed to promote awareness of international human rights standards in Australia, including Federal and State legislative compliance with the principles of international human rights law, and to support practitioners who assist victims of human rights violations in Australia. Working under the supervision of an academic coordinator, and with the assistance of the administrative coordinator, students will engage in legal research and produce position papers, blog entries, submissions, and other materials as required by ALHR. Practical skills such as written communication skills for specific contexts such as social media or government submissions, file management, and team work will be developed. The course involves one day a week in the ALHR clinic (Mondays, 9-4pm) and a fortnightly two hour seminar which will cover substantive topics of relevance to the work of ALHR.
SchoolLa Trobe Law School
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorEmma Henderson
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 5 - Masters
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Admission to undergraduate courses belonging to progression group LAW and mush have passed Human Rights Law LAW3HRL or LAW3PIL.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditions It is expected that students will attend Orientation Day, and all seminars and clinical days. Absence for seminars or clinical days must be supported by medical certificate or similar.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Practical Legal Skills | Preliminary | Ross Hyams, Susan Campbell, Adrian Evans (2014) | OUP |
| Readings | The International Law of Human Rights | Prescribed | McBeth, Nolan and Rice (2011) | OUP |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Understand in a comprehensive way, of a variety of core rules and principles of international human rights law.
- Activities:
- Participation, reflection exercises, portfolio
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
02. Clearly and concisely communicate the content of a variety of legal texts including international treaties and domestic statutes.
- Activities:
- Participation, reflection exercises, portfolio
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
03. Critically assess the policy considerations that inform and influence the development of international human rights law in a domestic context.
- Activities:
- Participation, reflection exercises, portfolio
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
04. Display appropriate written and oral skills, including the skill of producing clear and cogent written materials in a variety of different formats, such as Position Papers, Blog entries or Government submissions.
- Activities:
- Participation, reflection exercises, portfolio
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
05. Work both independently and as part of a team, with other students and staff, to meet client expectations.
- Activities:
- Participation, reflection exercises, portfolio
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Teamwork including leadership and working in groups)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2017, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentNo
Maximum enrolment size10
Enrolment information Clinic Subject Applications
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorEmma Henderson
Class requirements
SeminarWeek: 31 - 43
Six 2.0 hours seminar per study period on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
PracticalWeek: 31 - 43
Twelve 1.0 days practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation and reflection exercises (max 1000 words) | Includes attendance and active participation throughout semester, and several reflective exercises (1000 words max) | 25 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |
| Portfolio (max 3500 words) | Students will create a portfolio of work over the semester, and at the end of the subject choose pieces totalling between 3000 (min) - 3500 words (max), to put forward for assessment. | 75 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |