Students
PHIL708 – Neurolaw
2015 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Jeanette Kennett
Elizabeth Schier
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines the implications of developments in the neurosciences and behavioural genetics for our understanding of morally significant cognitive capacities and of conditions, such as addiction or psychopathy, which might impair these capacities and potentially reduce moral or legal responsibility. It addresses the ethical and policy challenges for the law raised by new technologies to assess defendants’ competence and reliability (e.g., improved lie detection techniques) or to intervene in the brain to restore or enhance morally and legally relevant mental capacities. Neurolaw is a new interdisciplinary field and this unit is especially suitable for students with a background in philosophy, cognitive science, psychology, law, or bioethics.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of the new interdisciplinary field of neurolaw
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts, positions, and arguments in the neurolaw literature
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in neurolaw.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills at the intersection of philosophy, law, science, and ethics to legal cases
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Critical exegesis | 15% | Weekly as assigned |
| Neurolaw Case Study | 20% | Week 8 |
| Literature review | 20% | Week 12 |
| Presentation and feedback | 10% | Week 12 |
| Research essay | 35% | 10/6/15 |
Critical exegesis
Due: Weekly as assigned
Weighting: 15%
Short exegesis of set text x 2 (700 words each) plus discussion questions. To be brought to the relevant class at which you will lead discussion and submitted at the end of class.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of the new interdisciplinary field of neurolaw
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in neurolaw.
Neurolaw Case Study
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 20%
You will select a criminal or civil case where neuro-evidence has been presented and provide a short case summary and analysis of the issues raised in terms of course concepts. (1200-1500 words)
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of the new interdisciplinary field of neurolaw
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts, positions, and arguments in the neurolaw literature
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills at the intersection of philosophy, law, science, and ethics to legal cases
Literature review
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 20%
Choose 3 texts that are important for your research essay. Provide a brief summary of each and explain why it is important for your topic and what role it will play in your argument or account.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of the new interdisciplinary field of neurolaw
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts, positions, and arguments in the neurolaw literature
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in neurolaw.
Presentation and feedback
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 10%
1. You will give a presentation to the class providing the context and motivation for your research essay (why is it interesting and important) and an outline of your approach.
2. You will provide constructive feedback on other student's work
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts, positions, and arguments in the neurolaw literature
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
Research essay
Due: 10/6/15
Weighting: 35%
You will write a research essay on a topic that you develop in consultation with course convenors, that engages in depth with a key course theme or question and makes use of course concepts
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of the new interdisciplinary field of neurolaw
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts, positions, and arguments in the neurolaw literature
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in neurolaw.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills at the intersection of philosophy, law, science, and ethics to legal cases
Delivery and Resources
Required text: Nicole Vincent (ed) Neuroscience and Legal Responsibility Oxford University Press 2013
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts, positions, and arguments in the neurolaw literature
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills at the intersection of philosophy, law, science, and ethics to legal cases
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
Assessment tasks
- Neurolaw Case Study
- Presentation and feedback
- Research essay
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of the new interdisciplinary field of neurolaw
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts, positions, and arguments in the neurolaw literature
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in neurolaw.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills at the intersection of philosophy, law, science, and ethics to legal cases
Assessment tasks
- Critical exegesis
- Neurolaw Case Study
- Literature review
- Research essay
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Acquire a coherent and advanced knowledge of the methodology, concepts and arguments of the new interdisciplinary field of neurolaw
- Synthesise and analyse information from a variety of sources concerning foundational concepts, positions, and arguments in the neurolaw literature
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in neurolaw.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills at the intersection of philosophy, law, science, and ethics to legal cases
Assessment tasks
- Critical exegesis
- Neurolaw Case Study
- Literature review
- Research essay
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in neurolaw.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills at the intersection of philosophy, law, science, and ethics to legal cases
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
Assessment tasks
- Neurolaw Case Study
- Literature review
- Research essay
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Articulate clearly and coherently philosophical arguments in written and oral form to a variety of audiences
- Analyse and critically evaluate arguments on key topics in neurolaw.
- Apply acquired knowledge and skills at the intersection of philosophy, law, science, and ethics to legal cases
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
Assessment tasks
- Critical exegesis
- Neurolaw Case Study
- Presentation and feedback
- Research essay
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Work in cooperation with others and reflect on individual and group performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
Assessment tasks
- Presentation and feedback
- Research essay