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Unit outline_

LAWS5168: Theories of Justice

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study seeks to enable understanding and critical analysis of some philosophical accounts of justice. It examines various theories and reflects on their implications for law and politics. It explores issues of freedom, equality, gender, race, class fairness and culture. One theme of the unit is the question of scope, that is, with whom or what is justice concerned, Another theme is the question of method, that is, the way in which justice should be theorised.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Law
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
LAWS3468
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Kevin Walton, kevin.walton@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Participation Leading Discussion
Participation
10% - N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO2
Small continuous assessment Questions and Comments on Texts
Small continuous assessment
10% Ongoing N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO2 LO1
Small test Research Essay Proposal
Small test
20% Week 06 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment Research Essay Reflection
Reflection
10% Week 13
Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 21 Nov 2024
500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO1 LO2 LO3
Assignment Research Essay
Essay
50% Week 13
Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 21 Nov 2024
3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4

Assessment summary

Research Essay Proposal (20%): Students must participate in a 15-minute discussion with the teacher about the research essay that they wish to write. The discussion is based on a proposal of no more than 500 words that the student must submit via Canvas no later than the day before the discussion. The proposal should set out a question, a potential response, and a list of the principal texts with which the student intends to engage. Each student will be questioned about and given feedback on their proposal before they undertake further work on their research essay. The discussion will take place in Week 6. It will take place on Zoom and be recorded. Note: there will be a general discussion of the research essay in Seminar 2, and students will have a further opportunity to discuss their own essay (with the teacher and other students) in Seminar 16.

Questions and Comments on Texts (10%): Students must submit questions and comments online about the required reading throughout the semester either before or within one week of the class in which the reading is examined. Each submission should be short. It should consist of a few points. It should not describe the text unless some description is required to provide context for a question or a comment.

Leading Discussion (10%): Students must lead the discussion in one seminar. In the specific seminar to which they are assigned, students are on call, which means that they should be ready to raise their own and answer others’ (including the teacher’s) questions about the required reading.

Research Essay (50%): Each student must submit a research essay of no more than 3000 words. This essay should demonstrate critical engagement with a relevant topic of their choice based on independent research. It should build on the discussion of the Research Essay Proposal and the discussion (with the teacher and other students) in Seminar 16. The research essay must be submitted via Canvas on or before Friday 1 November 2024.

Research Essay Reflection (10%): Each student must submit a reflection of no more than 500 words on the production of their research essay. The reflection should examine the challenges that they encountered in the process of understanding, critically analysing, researching, and writing about their topic. The reflection must be submitted via Canvas on or before Friday 1 November 2024. It should be submitted separately from the research essay, which is due via Canvas at the same time.

Word-limits: The total word-count for written work excludes the title-page, citations in footnotes, any bibliography, and any acknowledgement of the use of editors, proof-readers, and automated writing tools, but it includes everything else, such as headings, sub-headings, quotations (including epigraphs) and, even if it does not seem substantive, anything other than citations in footnotes. Failure to comply with the word-limit is penalised at a rate of 10% of the total mark for the assignment for every 100 words in excess of the limit. A research essay of 3099 words, for example, will not be penalised, but a paper of 3100 words will lose five marks. Penalties for excessive length will be strictly applied.

Referencing requirements: When citing material in written work, students should rely consistently on an accepted method, such as that specified in The Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th ed).

Use of editors, proof-readers, 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 requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks in order to obtain a Pass grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this unit of study.

Assessment criteria

A High Distinction (85-100) indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction (75-84) a very high standard, a Credit (65-74) a good standard, and a Pass (50-64) an acceptable standard

The mark for the Research Essay Proposal is determined using the following grid:

  Exceptional Very high Good Acceptable Unacceptable
Understanding          
Critical Analysis          
Research          
Communication          

The mark for the Questions and Comments on Texts is determined using the following grid:

  Exceptional Very high Good Acceptable Unacceptable
Understanding          
Critical Analysis          
Communication          
Frequency          

The mark for the Leading Discussion is determined using the following grid:

  Exceptional Very high Good Acceptable Unacceptable
Understanding          
Critical Analysis          
Communication          
Extent of Participation          

The mark for the Research Essay is determined using the following grid:

  Exceptional Very high Good Acceptable Unacceptable
Understanding          
Critical Analysis          
Research          
Communication          

The mark for the Research Essay Reflection is determined using the following grid:

  Exceptional Very high Good Acceptable Unacceptable
Understanding          
Critical Analysis          
Research          
Communication          

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:

A student who has not obtained an extension by applying successfully for Special Consideration will be penalised for late submission of written work at a rate of 10% of the total mark for the assignment per day or part-day (including weekends and public holidays). Penalties for late submission will be strictly applied. This means, for example, that five marks will be deducted from a research essay that is submitted at 00:00 on Saturday 2 November 2024.

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 1. Introduction Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
2. Research Essay I Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 3. Questioning Justice Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
4. Justice as Virtue Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 03 5. Justice and Utility Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
6. Justice as Fairness Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 04 7. Justice as Entitlement Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
8. Justice and Capitalism Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 05 9. The Scope of Justice Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
10. Justice and Race Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 07 11. Justice and Sex Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
12. Justice and Intersectionality Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 08 13. Justice and Multiculturalism Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
14. Justice and Indigenous Peoples Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 09 15. Injustice Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
16. Research Essay II Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 11 17. Structural Injustice Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
18. Colonial Injustice Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 12 19. Epistemic Injustice Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
20. Conclusion Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are required to attend at least 70% of classes. Students who fail to attend at least 70% of classes will receive an Absent Fail grade unless granted an exemption by the teacher.

Teaching and Learning Strategy: Seminars are discussion-based. Students must prepare for each seminar by reading and reflecting on designated texts. Participation in class discussions enables students to develop their understanding of and their ability to think critically about the issues with which the texts are concerned.

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

The required readings are available electronically through the Canvas site.

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. Understand theoretical debates about justice.
  • LO2. Identify, analyse, and respond critically and creatively to theoretical questions about justice.
  • LO3. Apply intellectual and practical skills to identify, find, evaluate, and synthesise theoretical literature on justice in an ethical manner.
  • LO4. Communicate about theories of justice effectively, respectfully, and persuasively.

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.

The teacher welcomes student feedback on this unit of study.

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.