Outline

Overview

In this unit, we examine laws that regulate work-family balance looking at employer duties to provide family-friendly working conditions and employee rights to have caring responsibilities accommodated in the workplace. We look at gender norms about work and care and how law reflects reinforces and sometimes challenges these. The focus is on workplace laws Fair Work Act 2009 Cth anti-discrimination legislation in respect of discrimination on the basis of sex and caring responsibilities and the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012 Cth. We will however also touch on a range of other laws that regulate work and care including laws governing paid parental leave social security and tax laws including childcare subsidies and family assistance. Comparisons will be made with alternative legal regimes for work and care in other countries such as the United States United Kingdom New Zealand and Sweden.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	LAWS6252 or a law degree
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Belinda Smith, belinda.smith@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Belinda Smith, belinda.smith@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 4 September 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Structured class participation (on call) (10%) Dialogue demonstrating disciplinary knowledge, critical thinking and communication skills	10%	Ongoing	Class facilitation for 3 on-call classes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement	Attendance (0%) 70% compulsory attendance	0%	Ongoing	70% compulsory attendance	Not applicable
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback task (0%) online quiz	0%	Week 01 Due date: 28 Aug 2026 at 23:59	5 multiple-choice questions	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Short interim assignment (30%) Short written assessment - short answer questions and essay	30%	Week 03 Due date: 08 Sep 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 18 Sep 2026	2000 words / 10 days	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research essay (60%) Written assignment	60%	Week 07 Due date: 06 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 20 Oct 2026	5000 words / 6 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Attendance (0%): Students in this unit of study are required to attend 70% classes. Failure to satisfy this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade. Students who apply successfully for Special Consideration may be granted an exemption from the attendance requirement by the coordinator. To enable students to apply for Special Consideration, attendance has been included as a 0% assessment in this unit of study. Students should only apply for Special Consideration when they have failed to attend at least 30% of timetabled activities.

Early Feedback Task (0%): This unit includes an Early Feedback Task that is designed to provide students with timely insights into their understanding and engagement with the unit content. The Early Feedback Task in this unit is an online multiple choice quiz. The task will be available on Canvas from 24 August at 8:00pm to 28 August, 2026 at 11:59pm (Sydney Australia time). It will be tailored to reflect key concepts from the Day 1 classes and materials. Students will be provided with immediate automated feedback upon completion of the task.

Structured class participation (10%): Students are required to participate in whole class and small group discussions, demonstrating through discussion that they have prepared for class (by reading the required readings and reflecting on the reading questions in the Learning Guide) and engaging in discussion in a constructive and respectful way. Students will be required to nominate 3 of the unit topics in which they will be ‘on call’. Students on-call will not be required to give any presentation. They will be expected to help facilitate class and small group discussions by offering responses to the reading questions and sharing any reflections they have about the required readings.

Short interim assignment (30%): Students required to provide 2000 words short answer responses and a related persuasive academic essay, based on the first two days of materials and discussion. The questions will be released on canvas by 5:00pm on 29 August 2026 and will be due at 11:59 pm on 8 September 2026 (Sydney, Australia time).

Research essay (60%): Students must complete a 5000 words research essay on an area related to the subject matter of the course (the legal regulation of work, care, and gender). The essay questions will be released on canvas by 6:00pm on 24 August 2026 and will be due at 11:59pm on 6 October 2026 (Sydney, Australia time). Before submission (and no later than 1 October) each student will need to meet with the teacher for a 10 minute discussion about their research and essay plan.

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 include all footnotes and any bibliography (if required), and exclude acknowledgements of assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted).

Referencing: Students are to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for referencing style. A link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at Referencing and Citation Styles: AGLC4.

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. As the EFT is an early diagnostic tool, this task is not included in the final grade for the unit.

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)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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. Penalties for late submission will be applied strictly, subject to a 5 minute grace period.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 01	Introductory class	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
	1. Work - how it is regulated; 2. Care - defining and understanding it; 3. Work, care, and gender equality	Seminar (6 hr)
	4. Equality and discrimination; 5. Men; 6. Parental leave	Seminar (6 hr)
Week 03	7. Disability care; 8. Aged care; 9. Flexible work arrangements	Seminar (6 hr)
Week 03	10. Gender pay gap; 11. Information regulation; 12. Positive duties + Completion of the student feedback survey for this unit of study.	Seminar (6 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).

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

There is no prescribed textbook for this unit. All required readings are listed in the Reading Guide available on Canvas and linked electronically.

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 labour laws currently regulate the options, decisions, and reconciliation of paid work and unpaid caregiving in Australia
LO2. critically analyse different theories of ‘care’, gender, and equality, and how these theories can be used to understand Australian laws regulating work and care
LO3. critically analyse how gender norms influence the allocation of unpaid caring and paid work in Australian society, and how this impacts gender equality
LO4. assess whether Australian labour laws could and should do more to support work-care reconciliation and gender equality
LO5. undertake independent legal research, critically evaluate and apply primary and secondary sources of workplace law, creating sound legal arguments and communicating them 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.

The content in this unit has been updated and the assessment regime has been changed.

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)

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS6344: Work, Care and Gender

Intensive August - September, 2026 [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)

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links