Students
LAW 879 – Environmental Law and Policy Clinic
2017 – S2 Block
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Judith Preston
Convener
Judith Preston
Contact via 61410108371
W3A Room 441
By appointment via email only
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(Admission to MEnvLaw or MIntEnvLaw or LLM or (42cp in LAW or LAWS units at 400 or 500 level) or (admission to JD and 32cp in LAW or LAWS units at 800 level)) and permission by special approval
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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 provides students with an opportunity to experience environmental law and policy 'in action' and give practical effect to skills learnt in other law units. Through a placement in legal practice, an environmental organisation, government or another institution, and supervision by practitioners, the student will learn about the role and practice of environmental law. This unit provides clinical placement opportunities that expose a student to real people and situations, actual legal problems and policy initiatives. The placement also requires reflection on, and analysis of how environmental lawyers can engage in a variety of strategies to achieve change.
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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:
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the role and practice of environmental law.
- Evaluate and critically assess the issues that arise in undertaking public interest environmental litigation, researching and preparing policy submissions, drafting legislative amendments and reform agenda, providing research for community advice and/or the practical application of environmental law and policy in other contexts related to a specific placement.
- Demonstrate sound ability to research and evaluate law in context.
- Display an enquiring,critical and creative approach to legal problems in real life contexts.
- Critically analyse how environmental law and policy can be utilised to achieve social and political change.
- Demonstrate and critically reflect upon professional and ethical knowledge, understanding and skills required for the variety of tasks within the placement.
General Assessment Information
The Unit involves three components to be assessed, both practical and written tasks including:-
1. Assessment by Placement Supervisor about aspects of the student's work during the placement including research, drafting and supervised tasks for clients (25%).
2. Reflections Report about the placement based on weekly reflections kept by the student about the placement experience in the host organisation (25%).
3. Research paper or portfolio of work regarding a specific project about environmental law and policy directly related to the placement (50%).
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Placement Supervisor Report | 25% | No | Week 12 |
| Reflections Paper | 25% | No | 10/11/17 (5:00pm) |
| Research Paper/Portfolio | 50% | No | 18/11/17 (5:00pm) |
Placement Supervisor Report
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 25%
Students attend an approved environmental law placement program. Work undertaken during the placement will depend upon the host organisation but may involve one or more of the following: research, drafting or other paralegal assistance in the areas of litigation, policy submissions, legislative drafting and community advice work.
On completion of the unit, the placement supervisor will provide a written report about the assessment of the student's capacity, application to work and achievement during the placement using a rubric provided by the Course convener.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the role and practice of environmental law.
- Demonstrate sound ability to research and evaluate law in context.
- Display an enquiring,critical and creative approach to legal problems in real life contexts.
- Demonstrate and critically reflect upon professional and ethical knowledge, understanding and skills required for the variety of tasks within the placement.
Reflections Paper
Due: 10/11/17 (5:00pm)
Weighting: 25%
Students are to keep a reflective journal in relation to the placement of 200-300 words per week.The journal entries are read by the Convener each week, and noted as to whether they have been completed. At the conclusion of the placement, completion of these journal entries will contribute to the summary report referred to below.
At the end of Week 12, students are to submit a summary report of maximum 2,000 words (exclusive of references) that critically reflects upon the placement experience.
The report must summarise the work of the placement organisation, explain the role that the student played at the host organisation and reflect upon the experience in the placement including reference to the learning objectives.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the role and practice of environmental law.
- Evaluate and critically assess the issues that arise in undertaking public interest environmental litigation, researching and preparing policy submissions, drafting legislative amendments and reform agenda, providing research for community advice and/or the practical application of environmental law and policy in other contexts related to a specific placement.
- Critically analyse how environmental law and policy can be utilised to achieve social and political change.
Research Paper/Portfolio
Due: 18/11/17 (5:00pm)
Weighting: 50%
Students are required to write a research paper or portfolio of work of 3,500 words based upon environmental law and policy issues directly related to the placement. A synopsis of your proposal for this assessment must be sent by email to the Convener for approval by Monday 2 October 2017 at 5:00pm.
A portfolio of work is a collection of work prepared for the purposes of the placement such as a submission on law reform or a position paper. If the portfolio of work is submitted, it should be presented in a clear, logical manner and include a table of contents and pagination. An introduction should be included which sets out the scope and relevance of the work presented.
Research papers should be well structured including sub-headings where appropriate. The paper should be properly referenced using the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. A bibliography should be included but will not be included in the word limit.
Students will be assessed on the basis of their understanding and identification of the relevant legal framework, analysis and evaluation of the issues, quality and depth of research, critical and inter-disciplinary approach, organisation, structure, and proper referencing style. Clarity of expression,presentation of argument, responsiveness to the question will also be taken into account.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the role and practice of environmental law.
- Evaluate and critically assess the issues that arise in undertaking public interest environmental litigation, researching and preparing policy submissions, drafting legislative amendments and reform agenda, providing research for community advice and/or the practical application of environmental law and policy in other contexts related to a specific placement.
- Demonstrate sound ability to research and evaluate law in context.
- Display an enquiring,critical and creative approach to legal problems in real life contexts.
- Critically analyse how environmental law and policy can be utilised to achieve social and political change.
- Demonstrate and critically reflect upon professional and ethical knowledge, understanding and skills required for the variety of tasks within the placement.
Delivery and Resources
There is no required text.
However, there are a range of excellent general texts on environmental and policy widely available. For example, Gerry Bates (Dr) Environmental Law in Australia, Lexis Nexis Australia, 9th Edition, 2017.
Readings for the assessment component can be provided by the Convener in consultation with students and tailored for the particular placement.
Resource materials to be read prior to the placement can be provided by email to students.
However, students are expected to avail themselves of appropriate academic materials related to domestic and international environmental law such as Ecolex (https://www.ecolex.org/) or EDO NSW (http://www.edonsw.org.au/).
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_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.
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://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.
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
- Critically analyse how environmental law and policy can be utilised to achieve social and political change.
- Demonstrate and critically reflect upon professional and ethical knowledge, understanding and skills required for the variety of tasks within the placement.
Assessment tasks
- Placement Supervisor Report
- Reflections Paper
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
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the role and practice of environmental law.
- Display an enquiring,critical and creative approach to legal problems in real life contexts.
- Critically analyse how environmental law and policy can be utilised to achieve social and political change.
Assessment tasks
- Placement Supervisor Report
- Reflections Paper
- Research Paper/Portfolio
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
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the role and practice of environmental law.
- Evaluate and critically assess the issues that arise in undertaking public interest environmental litigation, researching and preparing policy submissions, drafting legislative amendments and reform agenda, providing research for community advice and/or the practical application of environmental law and policy in other contexts related to a specific placement.
- Demonstrate sound ability to research and evaluate law in context.
- Display an enquiring,critical and creative approach to legal problems in real life contexts.
Assessment tasks
- Placement Supervisor Report
- Reflections Paper
- Research Paper/Portfolio
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
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of the role and practice of environmental law.
- Evaluate and critically assess the issues that arise in undertaking public interest environmental litigation, researching and preparing policy submissions, drafting legislative amendments and reform agenda, providing research for community advice and/or the practical application of environmental law and policy in other contexts related to a specific placement.
- Demonstrate sound ability to research and evaluate law in context.
- Critically analyse how environmental law and policy can be utilised to achieve social and political change.
Assessment tasks
- Placement Supervisor Report
- Research Paper/Portfolio
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
- Demonstrate sound ability to research and evaluate law in context.
- Display an enquiring,critical and creative approach to legal problems in real life contexts.
- Demonstrate and critically reflect upon professional and ethical knowledge, understanding and skills required for the variety of tasks within the placement.
Assessment tasks
- Placement Supervisor Report
- Reflections Paper
- Research Paper/Portfolio
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 outcomes
- Evaluate and critically assess the issues that arise in undertaking public interest environmental litigation, researching and preparing policy submissions, drafting legislative amendments and reform agenda, providing research for community advice and/or the practical application of environmental law and policy in other contexts related to a specific placement.
- Display an enquiring,critical and creative approach to legal problems in real life contexts.
- Demonstrate and critically reflect upon professional and ethical knowledge, understanding and skills required for the variety of tasks within the placement.