LAWGENRL 423 : Legal History

Law

2021 Semester One (1213) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Historical analysis of problems currently facing the law in Aotearoa New Zealand with reference to both English sources and indigenous developments.

Course Overview

This course will introduce students to the historical development of the legal system of New Zealand.  The aim of the course is to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between law, governance and society through discussion of legal history.

This course addresses topics which illustrate legal developments in political, economic and social context. We will work to identify thematic connections between weekly topics.

Please note that this course is not suitable for those who have completed LAWHONS 716.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: LAW 211 Restriction: LAW 441

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Laws

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Explain the historical development of ideas and institutions of the Anglo-New Zealand legal tradition (Capability 1.1, 1.2 and 6.1)
  2. Identify and analyse relationships between law and the societies in which it exists (Capability 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1 and 6.1)
  3. Critically discuss values and norms connected with the idea of the rule of law in historical context (Capability 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 4.1, 6.1 and 6.2)
  4. Critically engage with a variety of historical sources (Capability 1.1, 2.1, 2.3 and 3.1)
  5. Refine written and oral communication skills (Capability 2.3, 4.1 and 5.1)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Reflection 10% Individual Coursework
Reflection 10% Individual Coursework
Assignment 75% Individual Coursework
Discussions 5% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5
Reflection
Reflection
Assignment
Discussions
Assessment comprises:
  • 2 x 750 word reflection papers (10% each, choice of dates);
  • Participation in class discussion (5%); and EITHER
  • Written assignment of no more than 4500 words (75%, due at the end of the semester); OR
  • Research paper comprising a plan of no more than 750 words (5%) and a research paper of no more than 4500 words (70%, due at the end of the semester).
The written assignment will be based on the course materials and will not require independent research. Some students may wish to use this assignment in order to satisfy the requirements of LAW 498. For that reason, there will be two choices for completion of the written assignment. You can answer either:
  • One question (for all the available marks); or
  • Three questions (each answer counting for a 1/3 of the available marks).
Students who wish to satisfy LAW 498 should answer one question only.

If you choose to answer one question only, there will not be a choice of question. The question will be designed to allow you to engage widely with the themes of the course. If you choose to answer three questions, there will be some choice of question.

If you opt to write a research paper instead of the written assignment, you must continue to attend class. You must also meet a timeline for project progress set by the lecturer, including approval of topic and submission of a research plan.


Workload Expectations

This is a standard 15-point course. There will be around 36 hours of lectures in this course. As a general guide, you should expect a workload of three hours outside of the classroom for each hour spent in class. The guideline for the total workload for this course is 150 hours.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Participation in class discussion requires regular attendance, though unavoidable absences will be excused.
Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities, including class discussion, may not be available as recordings.
The course will not include live online events unless we are not able to meet in person.
The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

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.

Digital 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.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework 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. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

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 28/11/2020 04:14 p.m.