Course Title: Welfare Law

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Welfare Law

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

SOCU2273

City Campus

Postgraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2019

Course Coordinator: Russell Solomon

Course Coordinator Phone: 03 9925 8256

Course Coordinator Email: russell.solomon@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

This course considers the evolution of the welfare state and the major legislation and case development that have contributed to this area of the law. You will study social security law and the role of Legal Aid. You will learn about rights-based discourse and consider issues of gender, class, race, ethnicity and disability. The course also introduces the consumer legislation and case law, including activist activity regarding consumer rights, and alternative dispute resolution schemes in industry.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
a) Analyse and apply relevant case law and legislation to welfare issues in Australia
b) Critique issues associated with Legal Aid in Australia and internationally;
c) Debate issues relating to vulnerable groups in society
d) Critically assess rights based discourse regarding gender, class, race, ethnicity, indigeneity and disability.
e) Devise possible reform options, and identify and reflect on ethical dilemmas in practice
f) Research and formulate solutions to legal problems including alternative dispute resolution options.

Program Learning Outcomes
In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

  • Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on advanced theories, principles, philosophies in the justice sector, both locally and globally, to extend and challenge knowledge and practice
  • Employ a wide range of research tools, methods and approaches in the investigation of justice related problems
  • Use appropriate ethical ideas and reflective practice skills in addressing situations and problems in justice settings demonstrating cultural, social and environmental sensitivity



Overview of Learning Activities

This course is generally delivered in a face-to-face mode with a blend of learning activities, which include lectures, seminars, problem solving, guest speakers, presentations, case studies, videos, online activities and student lead discussions.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. There may be a prescribed text for this course.


Overview of Assessment

  • You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program capabilities. Assessment may include examinations, tests and quizzes, presentations, team work, problem solving tasks, role playing, and essay writing.
  • Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.
  • If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
  • A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
  • Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment