This unit is taught in two-hour seminars. Generally, the first hour of each seminar focuses on a selected topic through a presentation by a student(s) in the class on the materials set for reading. The second hour of class focuses on an analysis and evaluation of the material presented earlier and a discussion of particular issues arising from the readings.  Students, working either individually or in a group, will have primary responsibility for at least one topic covered during the course of the semester, and will have primary responsibility for facilitating the discussion in the first half of a particular class. 

The teaching/learning strategy of this course centres on an interactive seminar format. This format is a particularly good vehicle for understanding philosophical arguments, creating space for diverse critical perspectives on those arguments, and for developing your ability to contextualise legal rules against dynamic social settings. The intention behind the seminar strategy is twofold: first, to consolidate and develop the knowledge that students acquire through their readings and, second, to nurture the student’s capacity for critical thought through classroom discussion. The topics will remain discrete as seminar entities for the purpose of class presentations. However, there are areas of overlap from topic to topic and recurrent themes – both substantive and methodological – which bind the course material together.

The class presentation will form a component of the class participation mark for the unit of study. Students will take the lead in discussion of the relevant material in a particular class. You are required to sign up for one class in advance of the first class of the semester/in the first class of the semester. Some students might like to link the presentation topic with their research essay which may then provide them with the opportunity to test some important themes for their essay analysis with the rest of the class.

Students will be expected to show competencies and levels of understanding which are compatible with the advanced study of criminal law and philosophy of criminal law. The assessment regime is designed not only to identify student attainment but also to provide students with the opportunity to widen their research and reading as well as to benefit from feedback regarding their research and participation.

Class Presentation and Class Participation (20%)

• Class Presentation (10%) assessment will be based on the observations of the unit coordinator and on self-reflection by students. Students are required to present on a particular topic/one of the readings over the course of the semester (10%). Criteria for this assessment include evidence of preparation, and a demonstrated knowledge of the required readings.
• Class Participation (10%) assessment will be based on in-class participation across the semester (10%).  Criteria for this assessment include feedback on the class presentation of one of the readings to be given in class.

Report on Readings (20%) Students are required to submit a report, 1000 words maximum, on the reading(s) associated with their class presentation, which will include an overview and a critical engagement with it.  Further information about the report will be provided in class. The Report is due in class at the time of the class presentation (ie various dates throughout the semester).

Research Essay (60%) The research essay will be based on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with the unit coordinator. Essay plans must be submitted to the unit coordinator by 5pm Thursday 31 March. The research essay permits the student to focus on a topic of interest, and to develop independent research and analytical skills. The word limit is 4,000 words maximum. The Research Essay is due on Friday 27 May by 12pm.  Students must retain pre-submitted drafts of their assessment on file. The outcome of a successful Special Consideration application prior to the closing date (as specified in the Assessment Table) is an extension. Special consideration after that date leads to an alternative assessment which may include a viva (oral exam) or will be determined by the discretion of the lecturer.

Assessment Criteria All assessments submitted to the Sydney Law School will be subject to analysis by similarity detecting software. The software is used as a tool to assist in identification of work that is poorly referenced or has been cut and pasted from other people’s work without attribution, and to assist the Sydney Law School in its educational function of ensuring that students learn to attribute the words and ideas of others appropriately.

1. Substantive dimensions of assessment are similar to those used in assessing written work. Students should seek to show that they understand the application of, and underlying reason for the use of, the skills emphasised in the seminars. 
2. Students will be assessed on the quality rather than the quantity of their contributions. Nevertheless, it is difficult to award marks to students who are absent or who do not participate in the seminar discussion and exercises. 
3. The following descriptions are of “typical” levels of performance in certain categories of marks. The categories are based on total marks of 10 for seminar performance: 

0 - 2        Unacceptable level of absence from seminars. Participation virtually non-existent. Little, if any, preparation apparent. Obvious lack of commitment to the unit.  

2.5 - 5     Irregular attendance without explanation. Inconsistent preparation. Evidences a poor understanding of the application of, and underlying reason for the use of, the skills emphasised in the seminars. 

5.5 - 7     Regular attendance, with reasonable level of preparation. Participates in seminar discussions, but sometimes exhibits a lack of comprehension of the topic. Adequate participation in seminar exercises

7.5 - 8     Regular attendance and preparation. Either a good deal of participation of variable quality or less participation but good quality. Demonstrates a reasonable comprehension of topics under consideration. 

8.5 - 10   Regular attendance. High quality participation based upon thorough preparation. Demonstrates an excellent comprehension of topics under consideration. Evidence of capacity to develop innovative approaches to such topics. 

A student must make a satisfactory attempt of all assessment tasks set out for this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study.