LAWGENRL 408 : Technology Law and Policy

Law

2025 Semester Two (1255) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Considers the most critical issues in the intersection between technology, law and policy. The course examines how technological change affects, and is in turn affected by, legal and policy frameworks. In particular, it focuses on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and cryptocurrency, and the subsequent challenges for law and society.

Course Overview

The rapid progress of new technologies has widespread implications for society, the economy and the legal system. This course aims to introduce students to some of the most critical issues in the intersection between technology, law and policy. Students will have the opportunity to explore some of the most influential technological trends across the world, the ways in which the law has affected the development and uses of those technologies, and the challenges for the legal system in navigating an evolving technological landscape. 

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: LAW 201, 211, 231, 241

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: People and Place
Capability 2: Sustainability
Capability 3: Knowledge and Practice
Capability 4: Critical Thinking
Capability 5: Solution Seeking
Capability 6: Communication
Capability 8: Ethics and Professionalism
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Laws

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Analyse contemporary issues in law and technology, globally and in Aotearoa New Zealand. (Capability 1.2, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1 and 5.1)
  2. Critically appraise and evaluate policy challenges raised by different emerging technologies. (Capability 1.2 and 5.1)
  3. Create reasoned and persuasive arguments relating to issues in law and technology. (Capability 1.2, 2.1, 4.2, 5.1, 6.1 and 8.1)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Reflection 15% Individual Coursework
Essay 35% Individual Coursework
Final Exam 50% Individual Examination
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3
Reflection
Essay
Final Exam

Workload Expectations

This is a standard 15-point course. The guideline for the total workload for this course is 150 hours.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance at lectures is expected during this course, with a mixture of lectures and interactive exercises during class time. However, lectures will still be recorded and available if students are not able to attend. 



Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas, which includes reading lists and lecture recordings.


Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

As a course that is constantly evolving along with its subject matter, all feedback from students is particularly appreciated. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the lecturer, along with the standard feedback mechanisms described above.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework, tests and examinations as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against electronic source material using computerised detection mechanisms. Upon reasonable request, students may be required to provide an electronic version of their work for computerised review.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course director, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a Student Academic and Support Adviser as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.

Published on 01/11/2024 02:56 p.m.