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Unit outline_

LAWS3526: Global Engagement Law Program

Intensive January, 2024 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This elective is designed for final and penltimate year law students to undertake a project which partially completed offshore with one of the University of Sydney Law School's international partners. Students will work individually or in groups on an issue of significance to the international partners in questions. This experience will allow students to apply their academic skills and disciplinary knowledge to a real-world issues in an authentic and meaningul way.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Law
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
LAWS5226
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Simon Bronitt, simon.bronitt@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Simon Bronitt, simon.bronitt@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 19 January 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation group assignment Group Presentation (0%)
Group presentation on a topic in the unit of study
0% Week 02
Due date: 18 Jan 2024 at 17:00

Closing date: 18 Jan 2024
20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5 LO1 LO2
Assignment OPTIONAL Long Release Independent Research Paper Proposal (0%)
Research Paper Proposal
0% Week 04
Due date: 04 Feb 2024 at 17:00

Closing date: 04 Feb 2024
500 words / 4 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Assignment Long Release Written Assessment following Group Presentation (20%)
Written Assessment following Group Presentation
0% Week 07
Due date: 19 Feb 2024 at 17:00

Closing date: 04 Mar 2024
1000 words / 5 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5 LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment Long Release Reflective Journal (20%)
Reflective Journal
0% Week 09
Due date: 04 Mar 2024 at 17:00

Closing date: 18 Mar 2024
1000 words / 6 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO2
Assignment Long Release Research Paper (60%)
Research Paper
0% Week 09
Due date: 08 Mar 2024 at 17:00

Closing date: 05 Apr 2024
4000 words / 9 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Group Presentation (0%) A 20 minute group presentation on a topic discussed during the program.  At the outset of the unit, students will be allocated into small groups (3-4 persons) comprised of students from Australia and India. The topics allocated will relate to the themes/topics in the unit of study.  The group presentations will take place on Thursday 18th January 2024.

Written Assessment following Group Presentation (20%) Each individual student must submit their own paper of 1000 words, relating to the group presentation, that summarises and reflects upon the topic examined in the group, their contribution to the research and outlines the research findings. The written assessment is due on 19 February 2024 at 5pm (Sydney, Australia time) and must be submitted to the unit’s Canvas assignment dropbox.

Reflective Journal (20%) A reflective journal of 1,000 words is to be submitted after the completion of the India Immersion Programme. Date of submission is Monday 4th March 2024 at 5pm (Sydney, Australia time).  The reflective journal must draw on a student’s own experiences and insights gained over the two weeks and must be submitted to the unit’s Canvas assignment dropbox. Exemplars from past students journal submissions will be provided.

Research Paper (60%) A research paper of 4,000 words is to be submitted by Friday 8 March 2024 at 5pm (Sydney, Australia time) to the unit’s Canvas assignment dropbox.  A list of research questions will be provided to students at the commencement of the unit of study. The research paper must address a topic covered or related to the material taught in the unit and must not substantially relate to the topic or material addressed in a student’s group presentation or written assessment following presentation. 

Optional Independent Research Paper Proposal (0%) Students who wish to identify their own topic for the research paper must devise a topic and prepare a research proposal to be submitted by 4 February 2024 at 5pm (Sydney, Australia time). Students are encouraged to discuss the proposal with the coordinator during the in-country component of the unit. There are no marks allocated for the proposal, only for the submitted research paper itself.  The purpose of the proposal is to ensure that students have a viable topic, appropriate to the word length.

Word limit penalty
A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will exclude bibliography; footnote numbers; footnote citation; cover page and include body text; headings and sub-headings; quotations; anything other than numbers and citations in footnotes.

Use of editors and automated writing tools: In completing unsupervised assessments, students may use editors, proof-readers, and automated writing tools (including translation software, grammar checkers, reference generators and artificial intelligence), provided that all use is acknowledged and consistent with University policies and procedures including Academic Integrity Policy. Acknowledgment must be made in writing on the front of the work submitted for assessment, or in an appropriate footnote or other reference, and state the name of the person or software.

Special consideration 
Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate. 

 Assessment requirement to pass a unit of study 
A student must make a genuine attempt at all compulsory assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study. 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

  • Completely answers the question.
  • Contains striking originality of approach or analysis.
  • Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required).
  • Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed.
  • Is otherwise exceptional in some way.

Distinction

75 - 84

  • Completely answers the question.
  • Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues.
  • Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument.
  • Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument.
  • Generally well expressed and free from errors.
  • Has a clear structure and is well articulated.

Credit

65 - 74

  • Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question.
  • Contains no significant errors
  • Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues.
  • Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues.
  • Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.

Pass

50 - 64

  • Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument.
  • Contains some significant errors.
  • Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues.
  • Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question.
  • Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase.
  • Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis.
  • Adequate expression.
  • Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.

Fail

0 - 49

  • Does not answer the question.
  • Contains significant or numerous errors.
  • Few or no identifiable arguments.
  • Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant.
  • Lack of research or analysis.
  • Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure.
  • Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, without an approved extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per 24 hours or part thereof, after the due time on the due date.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Day 3: Introduction to the India Australia relationship; Introduction to Comparative and Transnational Criminal Law Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Day 4: Key Definitional and Conceptual Issues: What is India? What is the role of Culture, Religion and Caste System in India? Seminar (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Day 5: Understanding Corporate Crime: India versus Australia. Introduction to White-Collar Crime. Transnational Anti Corruption Frameworks & Foreign Bribery Offences Seminar (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Day 7: Technology Law & Society: Right to Internet and Fundamental Rights State Surveillance and Human Rights Artificial Intelligence and the Law Seminar (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Day 10: How is India Governed: An Overview of the Indian Constitution and Supreme Court Activism Seminar (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Day 11: Gender, Religion and Crime in India. Family and Sexual Violence in India - Marital Rape Immunity. Religion and the Law in India, and the Uniform Civil Code. Crime Scene Investigation in India Seminar (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Day 12: Access to Justice, Delay and Procedural Fairness. Judicial Activism, Supreme Court, and Public Interest Litigation in India. Sports Law and Dispute Resolution Seminar (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Day 13: Group Presentation India and Australia: Lessons and Reflections from India Immersion Programme Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Day 14: Field-Visits to Corporate Law Firm and Australian High Commission: Presentations and Group Discussion with Corporate Lawyers and DFAT officials. Seminar (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend at least 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for each unit of study. Failure to meet this requirement may result in a student being precluded from sitting the final assessment.

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer, and a link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4  

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Required readings will be available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. identify the distinctive aspects of Indian law and society through a series of case studies in constitutional, anti-corruption, gender violence, surveillance and sports law.
  • LO2. critically analyse and engage in discussion on different facets of Indian culture, law and society as discussed in the various seminars.
  • LO3. critically analyse the concepts raised in seminars and identify them in the assigned readings.
  • LO4. identify points of differences and similarities between Indian and Australian culture, law and society, which displays cross cultural sensitivity and awareness.
  • LO5. undertake original research to apply key course concepts.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Responding to feedback, the assessment package worked well, especially the group presentation at the High Commission, though the due date for completing the research paper upon return from India has been adjusted (recognising the need for further reflection and research post-intensive). The substantive content has been reordered. Important to provide more history and context to Indian law first - and introduce a range of new case studies, including gender violence and technology, in addition to anti-corruption law.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.