Outline

Overview

In this unit, students will gain an appreciation of how gender impacts the ways that the criminal law and justice system contend with accused persons and their victims. The construction of gender, understandings of violence, and how and why people mobilise the law after violence will be examined. The Law's claims to equality and neutrality will be scrutinised, as will perceptions of discrimination based on gender. Some ingredients of particular personal violence offences (assault, sexual assault), related proof requirements and sentencing from historical, theoretical and practical context perspectives will be examined. Refer to the Sydney Law School timetable - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Tyrone Kirchengast, tyrone.kirchengast@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Robyn Holder, robyn.holder@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 4 April 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Group analysis with AI (30%) Write an explanation of the social role(s) of violence (violence focus)	30%	Week 02 Due date: 03 Apr 2025 at 16:00 Closing date: 10 Apr 2025	2500words(group) + 500words (individual)
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Interactive oral assessment (20%) Identify the role of gender in a selected media story about a legal case	20%	Week 04 Due date: 15 Apr 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Apr 2025	5-10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Essay (50%) Write a critical essay (law focus)	50%	Week 13 Due date: 28 Apr 2025 at 16:00 Closing date: 05 May 2025	4500 words + 500 words (reflection)
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = AI allowed ? = restricted AI ?

Assessment summary

Group analysis with AI (30%):

THIS IS A GROUP ASSESSMENT. YOU WILL WORK IN A SMALL GROUP TO DRAFT AND SUBMIT A SINGLE GROUP DOCUMENT OF 2500 WORDS. YOU WILL INDIVIDUALLY SUBMIT A BRIEF (500 WORDS) REFLECTION ON THE PROCESS.

Students will work collaboratively in small groups (3-4 people) using the generative AI tool MS Copilot to explore and develop 4 different understandings of the social role of violence.

The task emphasises developing and refining AI prompts, critically engaging with AI-generated outputs, and connecting insights to relevant criminological and legal frameworks.
Group work encourages peer learning and shared accountability, with each member contributing to the prompt creation, refinement, and critical analysis process.

This approach seeks to develop students’ AI literacy and foster collaboration and critical thinking. By working in groups, students benefit from peer learning, distribute the workload, and engage more deeply with the topic. The group structure mirrors professional collaborative environments and enhances students’ ability to reflect on complex ethical and social issues in a supportive learning setting.

The deadline for submission is at 16:00 Thursday 3 April 2025 (Sydney, Australia Time).

Interactive oral assessment (20%):

Students will be supplied in advance with three examples of a media story about a criminal court case involving a violence allegation. Students will also be supplied with the questions that will be asked in relation to each of the cases in the online assessment. Students may use AI to prepare for the oral assessment but are prohibited for the delivery. This assessment will be conducted between Monday 14 April and Tuesday 15 April 2025 (Sydney, Australia Time) in pre-selected times for 5 to 10 minutes.

In an online oral assessment of 5-10 minutes duration, you will be asked to critically assess how gender is represented in one of the stories. (NOTE: you will not know in advance which story you will be given)

Essay (50%):

Students will receive a topic on which they will write a critical essay. The use of AI to research the essay topic is permitted, but students must submit an essay and reflection of their own words. The essay is due by 16:00 Monday 28 April 2025 (Sydney, Australia Time).

NOTE: the submission will comprise the main body of the essay (4500 words) plus an appended reflection on the ethical implications of your source material (500 words).

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will exclude all footnotes and any bibliography (if required), and exclude acknowledgements of assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted).

Use of editors or proof-readers: In completing unsupervised assessments, students may use editors, proof-readers, and automated writing tools (including translation software, grammar checkers, reference generators and artificial intelligence), provided that all use is acknowledged and consistent with University policies and procedures including Academic Integrity Policy. Acknowledgment must be made in writing on the front of the work submitted for assessment, or in an appropriate footnote or other reference, and state the name of the person or software.

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in 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.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Completely answers the question. Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	Completely answers the question. Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. Generally well expressed and free from errors. Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. Contains no significant errors. Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. Contains some significant errors. Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. Offers a descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. Adequate expression. Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	Does not answer the question. Contains significant or numerous errors. Few or no identifiable arguments. Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. Lack of research or analysis. Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, without an approved extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per 24 hours or part thereof, after the due time on the due date. For example, a submission after the due time but before the same time the following day will attract a 10% penalty.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week -02	Day 1: Introduction to gender, violence, and criminal law and justice; the problem of gendered crime; the problem of gender	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week -02	Day 2: Australian criminal justice; gendered violence and its problems; current controversies in responses to gendered violence	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week 01	Day 3: Current law and its principles; the problem of gendered criminal law; gender and criminal responsibility	Seminar (6.5 hr)
Week 01	Day 4: Constructing gender and sexual violence; gendered criminal sentencing; reflecting on gender, violence and criminal law	Seminar (6.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student’s result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer. A link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Simon Bronitt & Bernadette McSherry, Principles of Criminal Law, (Thomson Reuters, 4th ed, 2017) – [Australia-wide focus]

Alan Fiske & Tage Rai, Virtuous Violence, (Cambridge University Press, 2015)

Carrie Menkel-Meadow, ‘Uses and abuses of socio-legal studies.’ In Naomi Creutzfeldt, Marc Mason, & Kirsten McConnachie (Eds.) Routledge Handbook of Socio-Legal Theory and Methods (Routledge, 2019), pp. 35-57.

West, C. & Zimmerman, D. (1987) ‘Doing gender’, Gender & Society, 1(2), 125-151

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. critically analyse how violence is experienced, defined and regulated.
LO2. critically analyse how gender is socially constructed and its interactions with violence and with constructs of victim and accused.
LO3. critically analyse the social, philosophical and historical contexts in which violence, gender and criminal law operate.
LO4. apply a preliminary understanding of how the criminal law operates within its broader societal context and within the criminal justice system.
LO5. evaluate certain key concepts and principles underlying criminal liability in certain specified areas of criminal law.
LO6. analyse and apply legal concepts and rules to hypothetical fact scenarios to predict possible legal outcomes.
LO7. apply relevant legal research skills and communicate complex legal concepts both verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Assessment regime has been changed.

Additional information

Resources - Sydney Law Students

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS6034: Gender, Violence and the Criminal Law

Intensive March - April, 2025 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links