Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Archana Parashar
Contact via archana.parashar@mq.edu.au
W3A 618
Mondays 12-1 pm
|
---|---|
Credit points |
Credit points
4
|
Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
16cp in LAW or LAWS units at 800 level or above
|
Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
Unit description |
Unit description
In this unit students undertake a detailed study of key Family Law provisions and cases and analyse the law within an interdisciplinary theoretical framework. This approach of developing doctrinal analysis within a theoretical framework challenges the conventional boundaries of family law as found in the main texts on family law in Australia. It will enable students to critically examine the understanding of familial relations and their place in society which underpin the law. In addition to understanding the laws related to different aspects of family this unit is designed to enablestudents to assess what is the function of family law and what changes, if any, are needed.
|
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Internal Students
Task |
Task Name |
% |
Due Date |
1 |
Class Participation |
10 |
Tutorials continuous |
2 |
Research Essay (Submit through turnitin) |
40 |
18th April 2017, 23.59 |
3 |
Take Home Assessment Task Issued at 9 am 8th June 2017 (Submit through turnitin) |
50 |
10th June 2017, 23.59 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total: |
100% |
|
Distance Students
Task |
Task Name |
% |
Due Date |
1 |
Class Participation |
10 |
OCS (18-19th April) |
2 |
Research Essay (Submit through turnitin) |
40 |
23rd April 2017 23.59 |
3 |
Take Home Assessment Task Issued at 9 am 8th June 2017 (Submit through turnitin) |
50 |
10th June 2017 23.59 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total: |
100% |
|
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
---|---|---|---|
Class Participation | 10% | No | continuous, in tuts/OCS |
Research Essay | 40% | No | 18th/23rd April 2017 |
Take Home Assessment Task | 50% | No | 10th June 2017, 23.59 pm |
Due: continuous, in tuts/OCS
Weighting: 10%
Reading prescribed materials and preparation of questions/readings for class discussions as per the Tutorial Guide during Tutorials (Internal Students) and OCS (Distance Students). The OCS will be held on 18th and 19th April 2017.
Attendance at 80% of tutorials for day students and at the OCS for distance students is compulsory. Class participation mark is an aggregate of attendance and participation.
Assessment Criteria
Your work will be assessed according the extent of your:
Excellent
= HD-D
Good
= Credit
Satisfactory
= Pass
Unsatisfactory = Fail
Preparation for class: Demonstrated by relevance of participation to general discussion
Has the capacity to notice important information in the readings and use it to build new arguments in class discussion
Uses information in the readings to enhance learning in the class discussion
Notices basic contextual issues and asks questions
Fails to identify important information in readings and their relevance to discussion in class
Understanding and expressing abstract and complex ideas orally
Can generalise from personal reflection on theoretical ideas or real life and evaluate the efficacy of ideas from a number of standpoints
Can synthesise a number of concepts or factors into a larger idea and construct own position.
Limited capacity to synthesise a number ideas into a larger argument
Responses remain anecdotal and not related to other theoretical ideas
Assisting other class members by contributing to student learning
Willing to share novel insights with others
Supports other members' views but not necessarily adopt them
Listens to other views but does not integrate in discussion
Does not manage to see another point of view
Expressing and countering arguments orally
Articulates a personal position, but is willing to modify it if persuaded by others
Prioritizes the need for compromise in decision- making rather than formulating opinions
Identifies different viewpoints but tends to follow majority viewpoint
Has difficulty formulating own opinion or relating to another’s opinion
Listening attentively and showing respect to other students participating in class
Independent thinker,takes initiative as well as co-operating effectively with others
Relates professionally to colleagues. Makes effective contributions to the discussion
Attempts to relate to colleagues
Does not make an effort to relate to colleagues
Due: 18th/23rd April 2017
Weighting: 40%
Formulate a research topic based on Lectures 1-6 and related readings.
Research: Students may use the prescribed readings but are expected to research beyond these materials. Each person must determine for themselves how many additional references they need to support the development of their argument. The essay will not be assessed on how much research has been done, but on how well the research materials are used to advance the argument.
The maximum word length is 2500 words. The tutors will stop reading an assignment after it exceeds this word limit.
Footnotes and Bibliography are not included in the word count.
Footnotes and Bibliography are required in AGLC style. Referencing that does not follow the AGLC style will be penalised.
All assignments should be submitted through the turnitin icon on the ilearn page of this unit.
Assessment Criteria
Your work will be assessed according the extent of your:
Excellent
= HD-D
Good
= Credit
Satisfactory
= Pass
Unsatisfactory
= Fail
Understanding of the law in this area
Thorough and accurate understanding of rules, concepts and processes of law. Uses this knowledge to abstract principles and applies them in novel situations. Uses concepts to build new knowledge and understanding. Recognises the limitations of current law and theories about them.
Thorough and accurate understanding of rules, concepts and processes of law and can analyse and apply them in new situations.
Knows basic concepts and rules and can use them to solve problems and extend to new areas
Knows a few
rules and concepts. · Focussed introduction Uses the introduction to formulate a clear argument, identify parts of the argument, relevant issues and theories that will be addressed. Recognises the limitations of current thinking and the need for new ways of thinking.Can formulate an argument, and identify relevant issues and theories to be addressed.
Basic introduction with all the formal elements but stops short of giving clear picture of the essay.
Formal introduction with not clear articulation of the argument or structure.
· Coherent Structure and Written Expression – use of headings, systematic and coherent organization of ideas in paragraphs and sections
Meets all expectations and conventions. Distinctive personal style in the specific execution of the task. A unique but appropriate presentation of work.
Fulfils standard conventions with all expected attributes present. Some translation and interpretation of the conventions to suit personal style and the specific execution of the task.
Fulfils basic expectations regarding the formatting and presentation of work. E.g., titles name on work, introduction, conclusion. Spell checked & grammatically correct.
Lacks a coherent structure of argument, organization of ideas into different sections, fails to use spell checker, some sentences fail to use correct grammatical rules.
Depth of Analysis - Students may be able to deepen their analysis of the materials by critiquing the ideas about the family that they will use to develop their argument
Uses principles to formulate a position or an argument about the literature. Can articulate the limited nature of their argument and can challenge to boundaries of disciplinary understanding.
Recognises competing explanations and can identify the relative merits and limitations of an argument. Can describe and defend their own view or position.
Mostly reports others' views without assessing them. Little interpretation or translation to a new problem or issue.
Descriptive account of the available literature without any or very little analysis.
Developed and Sustained Argument – synthesis of the ideas drawn from the unit materials in a systematic and coherent structure
Uses available ideas and theories accurately. Abstracts and applies them in novel situations. Uses concepts to build new knowledge and understanding. Recognises the limitations of current thinking
Shows a thorough and accurate understanding of concepts and processes. Has the capacity to analyse and apply them in new situations
Knows basic concepts and rules. Requires more effort in synthesizing own arguments.
Knows some of the ideas and rules. Does not extend own analysis or argument.
Consistent Conclusion – briefly sum up at the end main findings that may be drawn from the argument in your paper
Makes a major contribution to the essay by pulling together all strands of the argument. Makes a judicious use of the available space to reinforce the argument of the essay.
Makes a significant contribution to the structure of the essay. Can pull together various strands of the argument.
Competent summary of the main arguments with very little effort at reinforcing the argument.
Repetitious reiteration of points already discussed without any efort to reinforce the argument.
Use of AGLC Style Guide for footnotes and bibliography
References and citations, including the bibliography use accurate, consistent and appropriate styles. Good effort at adapting the approach to different disciplinary conventions when using non-law literature.
References and citations, including the bibliography are accurate, consistent and appropriate.
References and citations are basically accurate in style. Occasional lack of consistency; reasonable acknowledgment of the sources of information
Absence or inaccurate use of referencing and citation conventions
Due: 10th June 2017, 23.59 pm
Weighting: 50%
Take Home Assessment Task: The question will be issued in iLearn page at 9 am 8th June 2017.
Word length: Maximum of 3500 words excluding footnotes and bibliography. Tutors will stop reading an assignment after the specified word limit.
Footnotes and Bibliography are required in AGLC style. Referencing that does not follow the AGLC style will be penalised.
All assignments should be submitted through Turnitin link provided on the unit's iLearn page
Assessment Criteria
Your work will be assessed according to the extent of your:
Excellent
= HD-D
Good
= Credit
Satisfactory
= Pass
Unsatisfactory
= Fail
Knowledge of the law and understanding of the issues arising in your area of research.
Thorough and accurate understanding of rules, concepts and processes of law. Uses this knowledge to abstract principles and applies them in novel situations. Uses concepts to build new knowledge and understanding. Recognises the limitations of current law and theories about them.
Thorough and accurate understanding of rules, concepts and processes of law and can analyse and apply them in new situations.
Knows basic concepts and rules and can use them to solve problems and extend to new areas
Knows a few
Rules and concepts. Does not use any theoretical understanding of the issues.Introduction: uses to articulate an argument, explain structure of essay, enumerate issues that will be discussed to substantiate the argument
Uses the introduction to formulate a clear argument, identify parts of the argument, relevant issues and theories that will be addressed. Recognises the limitations of current thinking and the need for new ways of thinking.
Can formulate an argument, and identify relevant issues and theories to be addressed.
Basic introduction that contains all the formal elements but stops short of giving a clear picture of the essay.
Formal introduction with not a clear articulation of the argument or structure of the essay.
Depth of analysis: the depth of analysis as demonstrated by moving beyond descriptive analysis of the research materials and development of one's own argument
Uses principles to formulate a position or an argument about the literature. Can articulate the limited nature of their argument and can challenge to boundaries of disciplinary understanding.
Recognises competing explanations and can identify the relative merits and limitations of an argument. Can describe and defend their own view or position.
Mostly reports others' views without assessing them. Little interpretation or translation to a new problem or issue.
Descriptive account of the available literature without any or very little analysis.
Argument: Ideas drawn from the research materials should be synthesized in a systematic and coherent structure
Uses available ideas and theories accurately. Abstracts and applies them in novel situations. Uses concepts to build new knowledge and understanding. Recognises the limitations of current thinking.
Shows a thorough and accurate understanding of concepts and processes. Has the capacity to analyse and apply them in new situations.
Knows basic concepts and rules. Requires more effort in synthesizing own arguments.
Knows some of the ideas and rules. Does not extend own analysis or argument
Coherent Structure: Systematic and coherent organisation of ideas in sentences/paragraphs/sections
Separate Introduction and Conclusion
Use of sub-headings
Written Expression: Clear written expression, ideas structured in sentences, correct grammar/spelling
Meets all expectations and conventions. Distinctive personal style in the specific execution of the task. A unique but appropriate presentation of work.
Fulfils standard conventions with all expected attributes present. Some translation and interpretation of the conventions to suit personal style and the specific execution of the task.
Fulfils basic expectations regarding the formatting and presentation of work. E.g., titles name on work, introduction, conclusion. Spell checked & grammatically correct.
Lacks a coherent structure of argument, organization of ideas into different sections, fails to use spell checker, some sentences fail to use correct grammatical rules.
·
Use of AGLC Style Guide for footnotes and bibliography
References and citations, including the bibliography use accurate, consistent and appropriate styles. Good effort at adapting the approach to different disciplinary conventions when using non-law literature.
References and citations, including the bibliography are accurate, consistent and appropriate.
References and citations are basically accurate in style. Occasional lack of consistency; reasonable acknowledgment of the sources of information.
Absence or inaccurate use of referencing and citation conventions.
Delivery:
The unit is structured around a two hour lecture each week and one hour tutorial for the day students. For the distance students 12 prerecorded lectures will be available through the iLearn page of the unit and students must attend a two day compulsory on campus session.
Attendance at 80% of tutorials for day students and at the OCS for distance students is compulsory. The OCS will be held on 18th-19th April 2017.
Lectures and Tutorials commence in Week One of the semester. Lectures will be recorded and available through echo360 on iLearn.
Students will be required to use a computer to interact with online research databases and web based research tools.
Students should check iLearn regularly for announcements and updates.
Resources:
The Unit is structured around the text:
Archana Parashar and Francesca Dominello The Family in Law (Cambridge University Press 2017).
The iLearn page of the unit will provide the list of readings for each week. These will include relevant chapters from this book and other selected and edited readings. These readings are available electronically through the the library. Occasionally Readings will be available on the unit's iLearn page.
Students will need access to a computer that gives them access to the internet and they can use for word processing.
Week 1 |
Studying Family Law - Concepts |
|
Week 2 |
The Family Law and its Institutions - history and institutions |
|
Week 3 |
Marriage and Marriage like Relationships |
|
Week 4 |
Divorce & Violence |
|
Week 5 |
Financial Relations |
|
Week 6 |
Spousal Maintenance |
|
Week 7 |
Private Ordering in Property Proceedings |
|
Week 8 |
|
|
Week 9 |
Children in Court Proceedings | |
Week 10 |
Child Maintenance and support |
|
Week 11 |
Dependency and the Law: Social welfare support |
|
Week 12 |
Children and Family Formation - adoption, surrogacy, IVF |
|
Week 13 |
Consolidation of all topics in the Unit |
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_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
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.
Following is the Macquarie Law School policy on assessment details
In the absence of a successful application for special consideration due to a disruption to studies, any assessment task submitted after its published deadline will not be graded and will receive a mark of zero. Applications for a Disruption to Studies are made electronically via ask.mq.edu.au and should be accompanied by supporting documentation. Students should refer to the Disruption to Studies policy for complete details of the policy and a description of the supporting documentation required.
Word limits will be strictly applied and work above the word limit will not be marked.
All assessments in the unit are to be submitted electronically. Plagiarism detection software is used in this unit.
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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: