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Course Outline

JST202 International Justice and Human Rights

Course Coordinator:Shannon Brincat (sbrincat@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2024Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

 Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

International Justice and Human Rights examines the nature of human rights and the enshrining of those rights in law, both domestically and internationally. You will be introduced to the sources of human rights in Australia and examine those derived from the Commonwealth Constitution, enunciated in case law and articulated in international declarations and covenants. A number of selected topics provide scope for detailed investigation and raise issues associated with anti-discrimination legislation; those of migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers in a contemporary context and Australia's counter terrorism laws.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Learning Materials (asynchronous); and 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – 2-hour tutorials (synchronous) 2hrs Week 1 11 times
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – Three hour assessment workshop 3hrs Week 13 Once Only
Online
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online tutorial 2hrs Week 1 11 times
Learning materials – Learning Materials (asynchronous) 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – Assessment workshop 3hrs Week 13 Once Only

Course Topics

Introducing International Justice and Human Rights

Human Rights: History, Philosophy and Social Struggles

Australia, International Law, and Human Rights

Treaty System, Jurisdiction, Sovereignty, and State Immunities in International Law

International Law and Justice: Sources of Convention and Practice

The International Human Rights Regime (Part 1): Human Rights Law

The International Human Rights Regime (Part 2): International Humanitarian Law

Laws of War and The Use of Force

International Criminal Law

The International Law of the Sea: a case-study on asylum seekers

The ‘Others’ of International Justice

UNHRC Simulation

[All topics could contain mature content]

What level is this course?

200 Level (Developing)

Building on and expanding the scope of introductory knowledge and skills, developing breadth or depth and applying knowledge and skills in a new context. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally, undertaken in the second or third full-time year of an undergraduate programs.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Contribute and engage in course content discussions with lecturer and peers during the seminars. Engaged
2 Discuss, explain and describe international justice, human rights, theory and practice including actors, institutions, processes, key events. Knowledgeable
3 Demonstrate research, critical analysis skills, and argument development in essay papers, in preparation and participation of the seminar. Creative and critical thinker
4 Apply scholarly writing, research and reference practice in the field of International Justice and Human Rights. Empowered

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Any 2 courses or enrolled in Program AR505 or AR605

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

The course includes an early assessment (not a Substantial Assessment Task) that provides formative feedback on academic progress that focuses on development of the essay. Students will submit an essay plan in week 4 that will be peer reviewed in the seminar and/or by the lecturer.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Portfolio Individual 20% 
Weeks 1-11
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) To Supervisor
All 2 Essay Individual 40% 
2000 words
 Week 7 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Oral and Written Piece Individual 40% 
1500 word Report (20 marks); plus 1 minute speech and active participation throughout simulation (20 marks).
 Refer to Format Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check and in class
All - Assessment Task 1:Portfolio and Participation
Goal: 
You will read the weekly readings, take note and/or answer tutorial questions of 200 words approx and submit via email BEFORE the seminar/tutorial.
Product: Portfolio
Format: 
Students will complete all required readings and summarise these and/or answer any tutorial questions and submit, via email, BEFORE each seminar/tutorial.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Written component: Accuracy in answering set questions; use of grammar and script in composition-style writing; translation skills.
 1 2
2 
Demonstrated capacity to analyse readings and arguments for the topic.
 1 2
3 
Contributed to class and group discussions with relevant and informed comments.
 2
All - Assessment Task 2:Essay
Goal: 
To undertake research and write an essay that explores a topic regarding international justice and human rights.
Product: Essay
Format: 
The 2000 word essay is written as a formal academic essay with appropriate acknowledgement of research sources presented with references. You will answer one question from the topics provided on Canvas. Particular attention will be focused on the inclusion of empirical data to support points and arguments made, integration of arguments with politics, practices, and theory of international human rights, and, on critical analysis and synthesis of materials in the essay. The essay should apply the Harvard style of referencing with a List of References (LOR) at the end.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
formation of relevant knowledge
 2 3 4
2 
critical analysis and argument
 2 3 4
3 
effective communication
 2 3 4
4 
presentation in required format ​
 3 4
All - Assessment Task 3:United Nations Human Rights Council simulation
Goal: 
To write a Report, and, orally represent a country or NGO at the UNHRC on a contemporary issue or event of international justice and human rights.
Product: Oral and Written Piece
Format: 
You will be allotted a country or an NGO and a topic (by Week 7) regarding a contemporary issue or event of international justice and human rights that will be raised in the UNHRC. You will investigate and analyse this topic, and your designated country/NGO’s relation to it, and you will represent your country/NGO on the UNHRC.  
 
Using this research and critical thinking you will develop and write a Report paper addressing the topic area for your country/NGO. This Report (1500 words) will be written as a formal academic piece of writing in the form of a report and will apply a consistent style of referencing with a List of References (LOR). 
 
The simulation oral presentation will be given orally to the class during the simulation. This will include an introductory speech outlining your position (1 minute this can be pre-recorded) and you will then represent your country/NGO actively contributing toward the workings of the UNHRC as it seeks a resolution on the topic area during the 3 hr workshop. 
 
The simulation is an opportunity for you to discuss your Report and findings and for you to represent your country/NGO in an international forum. So, in addition to writing the Report and presenting your research you are also required to participate actively in the simulation. 
 
Important guidelines and discussion regarding the topic, how to approach it, how to write a Report and act/participate in the simulation, will be presented throughout the semester prior to the simulation and written guidelines are provided on Canvas. 
 
You will submit the Report in Week 12 to Canvas.  

The oral component will be presented in a 3hr Workshop in Week 13. There will be one on-campus session for all students enrolled on campus at Sippy-Downs, one for students enrolled at Moreton, and one online session for all those enrolled online.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
​Attendance is required at the simulation guidelines session and at the simulation event.
 1
2 
Formation of relevant knowledge
 1 2 3 4
3 
critical analysis and argument
 1 2 3 4
4 
effective communication
 1 2
5 
presentation in required format ​
 3 4

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Daniel Moeckli, Sangeeta Shah, and Sandesh Sivakumaran 2017 International Human Rights Law 3 Oxford University Press

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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