Students
LAWS812 – Independent Research Project in Law, Governance and Policy
2018 – S1 External
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Holly Doel-Mackaway
Contact via Contact via holly.doel-mackaway@mq.edu.au
W3A 625
Wed 1-2pm
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
LAWS818
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
In this unit students will consolidate their understanding of modern theories of governance. They will examine critiques of 'governance' from different disciplinary perspectives. Case studies will be reviewed from the following areas: human rights, public health, privacy, environmental governance and corporate governance.
Students will apply an interdisciplinary lens to produce an independent research paper or policy reform proposal (6,000 words) that builds on their research proposal developed in LAWS818. Students may focus on international, national or local governance issues.
|
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 an advanced understanding of the broad body of theoretical and applied knowledge in law, governance and public policy.
- Recognise and critically evaluate the range of contemporary challenges associated with promoting social justice, corporate responsibility and effective governance at the national and international levels.
- Engage in high level critical thinking and exercise judgment in the recognition and resolution of contemporary legal and policy challenges.
- Apply sophisticated legal and policy research skills.
- Communicate effectively in the written form at a postgraduate level.
- Produce research findings that address contemporary legal, governance and policy challenges.
General Assessment Information
Late Submission Penalty
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Word Limits
Word limits will be strictly applied and work above the word limit will not be marked. The consequence of this will mean that any words over the word limit will not be read nor assessed by the marker. This may mean, for example, that the final paragraphs of the assessment are not marked, and therefore the assessment does not contain a conclusion. If this was the case, this would significantly impact the overall mark for the assessment, so please ensure strict compliance with the word limit.
Submission
All assessments in the unit are to be submitted electronically via the unit's iLearn page (using the appropriate Turnitin link or forum post link). Plagiarism detection software is used in this unit.
All written assessments must be submitted in Word (.doc or .docx) format.
Assessments are due by midnight on the week or day indicated for each assessment task.
Note: Deadlines refer to teaching weeks. The semester consists of 13 teaching weeks and a two-week mid-semester break.
Moderation
Detailed marking rubrics will be made available on iLearn. The convenor moderates all assessments. All fail research essays are double marked.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Forum Responses | 15% | No | Midnight Sunday (weeks 1-6) |
| Thesis Plan | 15% | No | Monday 9 April, 2018 (week 7) |
| 5 Minute Thesis Presentation | 10% | No | During OCS (16/17 April 2018) |
| Major Research Thesis | 60% | No | Monday 4 June, 2018 (week 13) |
Online Forum Responses
Due: Midnight Sunday (weeks 1-6)
Weighting: 15%
During weeks 1-6 students are required to actively participate in focused online discussions about the weekly topics. Every Monday (between weeks 1-6) the convenor will post a question based on that week's topics and students will write a response to this question by midnight on Sunday of the same week. These responses are to be approximately 250 words each.
Each question requires students to critically evaluate the materials posted on iLearn for that week’s topic and refer to these materials in the response. These materials are: the lecture, the supplementary materials and the allocated readings.
Each student will write 6 responses and these responses are marked against the marking rubric posted on the iLearn page for this subject.
Students are expected to demonstrate an advanced understanding of principles and theories of governance derived from their learning in the unit and relate these understandings to the various weekly topics.
It is envisaged that these online responses will support students to build their knowledge about contemporary governance challenges throughout the early stages of the course.
All students will be able to read the responses after midnight each Sunday during weeks 1-6. Students are expected to read and reflect on other student's responses and in doing so students will support each other's learning in the early part of this unit. Students are encouraged to continue to discuss these topics in the online forum on iLearn beyond their individual contributions (although this is not compulsory).
Student's weekly responses are to be posted on the respective discussion forum links on the unit's iLearn page.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the broad body of theoretical and applied knowledge in law, governance and public policy.
- Recognise and critically evaluate the range of contemporary challenges associated with promoting social justice, corporate responsibility and effective governance at the national and international levels.
- Engage in high level critical thinking and exercise judgment in the recognition and resolution of contemporary legal and policy challenges.
- Communicate effectively in the written form at a postgraduate level.
Thesis Plan
Due: Monday 9 April, 2018 (week 7)
Weighting: 15%
Students will revise their Research Proposal from LAWS818 and write a Thesis Plan for their Major Research Thesis.
The Thesis Plan is to be no longer than 800 words (excluding footnotes and bibliography) and will include reference to the key issues, arguments, recommendations and authors that will be included in the Major Research Thesis. Students are encouraged to use the thesis plan template posted on the unit's iLearn page (although this is not compulsory and students can structure their thesis plan in any way they see fit).
Further instructions and a marking rubric are available on the unit's iLearn page.
This assessment is to be submitted on the Turnitin link on the unit's iLearn page.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the broad body of theoretical and applied knowledge in law, governance and public policy.
- Recognise and critically evaluate the range of contemporary challenges associated with promoting social justice, corporate responsibility and effective governance at the national and international levels.
- Engage in high level critical thinking and exercise judgment in the recognition and resolution of contemporary legal and policy challenges.
- Apply sophisticated legal and policy research skills.
- Communicate effectively in the written form at a postgraduate level.
- Produce research findings that address contemporary legal, governance and policy challenges.
5 Minute Thesis Presentation
Due: During OCS (16/17 April 2018)
Weighting: 10%
During the on campus session (OCS) students are required to present their proposed research project to the class by way of a short 5-minute presentation. Students are to prepare (in advance of the OCS) a succinct talk about the topic they will be writing their major research thesis about.
All presentations will be strictly timed to ensure every student has an opportunity to present. Presentations will be graded against the marking rubric on the unit's iLearn page. Students who do not do a presentation (unless there is an accepted Special Consideration application) will not receive any marks for this assessment.
All students must participate. It is recommended that students use their Thesis Plan (submitted the week before the OCS) to guide preparation for this assessment and in order to assist in writing, structuring and delivering the 5-minute thesis presentation.
This is a timed assessment and no late submissions will be accepted.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the broad body of theoretical and applied knowledge in law, governance and public policy.
- Recognise and critically evaluate the range of contemporary challenges associated with promoting social justice, corporate responsibility and effective governance at the national and international levels.
- Engage in high level critical thinking and exercise judgment in the recognition and resolution of contemporary legal and policy challenges.
- Apply sophisticated legal and policy research skills.
- Produce research findings that address contemporary legal, governance and policy challenges.
Major Research Thesis
Due: Monday 4 June, 2018 (week 13)
Weighting: 60%
Students are required to submit a 6,000 word Major Research Thesis (maximum total length inclusive of footnotes, bibliography, tables, figures and appendices) with references in accordance with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation 3 (AGLC3). Students must apply their research skills and understanding of legal research methodologies to execute an independent research project to address a contemporary challenge in legal governance, from either a domestic or international perspective, under one of the following broad topic areas:
- Human Rights and Governance
- Environmental Governance
- Privacy and Governance
- Corporate Governance
- Public Health and Governance
Papers are to be submitted as a Word document via the Turnitin link on the unit's iLearn page. Further instructions and a marking rubric are provided on the unit's iLearn page.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the broad body of theoretical and applied knowledge in law, governance and public policy.
- Recognise and critically evaluate the range of contemporary challenges associated with promoting social justice, corporate responsibility and effective governance at the national and international levels.
- Engage in high level critical thinking and exercise judgment in the recognition and resolution of contemporary legal and policy challenges.
- Apply sophisticated legal and policy research skills.
- Communicate effectively in the written form at a postgraduate level.
- Produce research findings that address contemporary legal, governance and policy challenges.
Delivery and Resources
Technology Required
All students need access to a secure and reliable server for access to iLearn and submission of assessment tasks.
Delivery
This unit consists of 6 lectures during weeks 1-6 (which will be available on Echo 360) and a compulsory 2-day on campus session (OCS) on 16 and 17 April, 2018. All students are required to attend the OCS and present a 5-minute thesis presentation.
Students who are unable to attend the OCS must apply for Special Consideration via ask.mq.edu. If that application is accepted student's will be set an alternative assessment and alternative coursework (equating to the 2 day on-campus session) in lieu of on-campus attendance.
In addition to the lectures students will be expected to access a range of online resources, as well as weekly readings. These will be posted on the unit's iLearn page for each weekly topic.
The first 6 weeks of the course is designed to provide a foundation to support students to undertake self-directed research and assist student's to research and write the Major Research Thesis (6,000 words).
Unit Schedule
A detailed weekly schedule is provided on the unit's iLearn page. The topics to be covered in this unit are as follows:
Week 1: Principles and Theories of Governance: This week we will be examining the principles and theories of Governance. In doing so we will explore the meaning of the word 'governance' and the implications of varying interpretations of governance.
Week 2: Human Rights and Governance: This week's topic examines human rights and governance by focusing on Indigenous children's human rights. The lecture will overview children's rights and international law and provide examples of contemporary children's rights challenges nationally and internationally.
Week 3: Health and Governance:This week will give you an understanding of the issues associated with governance and health and provide case studies relating to several jurisdictions.
Week 4: Privacy and Governance: This week we will consider the issue of governance in respect to the right to privacy in Australian law and policy.
Week 5: Corporate Governance: This weeks lecture will discuss corporate governance in Australia and internationally. Various case examples will highlight a range of contemporary governance challenges nationally and internationally.
Week 6: Environmental Governance: This week's topic will overview governance matters relating to environmental protection. Key NSW cases will be explored to highlight contemporary challenges relating to environmental protection in Australia.
*online forum responses due weeks 1-6
Week 7: Thesis Plan Due (9 April, 2018)
Recess: Compulsory OCS and Oral Presentation of 5-minute thesis (16 and 17 April, 2018)
Weeks 7-13: Self-Directed Independent Research
Week 13: Major Research Thesis Due (5 November, 2018)
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the broad body of theoretical and applied knowledge in law, governance and public policy.
- Recognise and critically evaluate the range of contemporary challenges associated with promoting social justice, corporate responsibility and effective governance at the national and international levels.
- Engage in high level critical thinking and exercise judgment in the recognition and resolution of contemporary legal and policy challenges.
- Communicate effectively in the written form at a postgraduate level.
- Produce research findings that address contemporary legal, governance and policy challenges.
Assessment tasks
- 5 Minute Thesis Presentation
- Major Research Thesis
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 an advanced understanding of the broad body of theoretical and applied knowledge in law, governance and public policy.
- Apply sophisticated legal and policy research skills.
- Communicate effectively in the written form at a postgraduate level.
Assessment tasks
- Online Forum Responses
- Thesis Plan
- 5 Minute Thesis Presentation
- Major Research Thesis
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 an advanced understanding of the broad body of theoretical and applied knowledge in law, governance and public policy.
- Recognise and critically evaluate the range of contemporary challenges associated with promoting social justice, corporate responsibility and effective governance at the national and international levels.
- Engage in high level critical thinking and exercise judgment in the recognition and resolution of contemporary legal and policy challenges.
- Apply sophisticated legal and policy research skills.
- Communicate effectively in the written form at a postgraduate level.
Assessment tasks
- Online Forum Responses
- Thesis Plan
- 5 Minute Thesis Presentation
- Major Research Thesis
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
- Recognise and critically evaluate the range of contemporary challenges associated with promoting social justice, corporate responsibility and effective governance at the national and international levels.
- Apply sophisticated legal and policy research skills.
- Communicate effectively in the written form at a postgraduate level.
- Produce research findings that address contemporary legal, governance and policy challenges.
Assessment tasks
- Thesis Plan
- 5 Minute Thesis Presentation
- Major Research Thesis
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
- Communicate effectively in the written form at a postgraduate level.
- Produce research findings that address contemporary legal, governance and policy challenges.
Assessment tasks
- Online Forum Responses
- Thesis Plan
- Major Research Thesis
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
- Engage in high level critical thinking and exercise judgment in the recognition and resolution of contemporary legal and policy challenges.
- Produce research findings that address contemporary legal, governance and policy challenges.
Assessment task
- Major Research Thesis
Changes from Previous Offering
The assessment regime has changed slightly this offering. The OCS now includes a 5-minute thesis presentation for all students. Thus, the weighting of all assessments (apart from the Major research Thesis) have been altered.
The OCS is now 2 days not 1 day.
The forum responses are pass/fail rather than marked as the marking last session was not within the 1.5 hour limit.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 24/01/2018 | Final Research Paper is due Monday 4 June, 2018. |