Outline

Overview

The questions of whether and how the global economy and human rights interrelate and interact have excited much recent controversy on the streets, in the courts and legislatures, in corporate board rooms and in the corridors of the UN and the international trade and financial organizations. It is a controversy that will almost certainly intensify over the next few years. The debate is controversial because it is important, and it is important because it involves two great globalizing forces namely, the promotion of free market ideology through trade liberalization and the protection of human rights through the universalization of the norms that underpin human dignity. On the face of it the two projects do sit easily together. Are they, in fact, implacably opposed to each other Where or how do they overlap and what are the consequences or opportunities presented thereby What role can the law play in regulating their interaction whether it be domestic or international law, 'hard' or 'soft' law. And what or who are the real actors behind the economic and human rights power blocs on the global stage This unit seeks both to frame these questions and to address them by reference to the most recent discussion, thinking and action in the area. 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 ?	LAWS5178 or LAWS3478
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	David Kinley, david.kinley@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 3 October 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Short-Release Daily Reflective Journal (20%) Written assessment	20%	Week 03 Due date: 06 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 20 Oct 2025	1000 words / 9 days	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Essay (80%) Written assessment	80%	Week 06 Due date: 31 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Nov 2025	6000 words / 6 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Optional Capstone Essay (80%) Written assessment	0%	Week 06 Due date: 31 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Nov 2025	7000 words/ 6 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Short-Release Daily Reflective Journal (20%):

The purpose of this assignment task is to encourage and assess critical thinking of what you have learnt on each of the four days of classes. It requires you to reflect on what most struck you during each day - how and why it was significant in terms of your personal and/or professional world views. It is intentionally brief (approximately 250 words per day, with a total limit of 1,000 words), as part of the assessment is to test your capacity to express complex thoughts concisely. It is due by 11.59pm, 6 October 2025 (Sydney, Australia time).

Formative assessment will be provided in the form of feedback on the daily reflective journal as soon as practicable after the submission.

Essay (80%):

Essay title(s) to be released immediately after first day of classes. Submission of essay is due by 11.59pm, 31 October 2025 (Sydney, Australia time).

Students will be required to submit a research essay in response to the set topic (or to choose one from a selection of topics) of not more than 6,000 words inclusive of footnotes.

Footnote citations and references must be complete and consistent, though abbreviated cross-references are permitted (albeit you make sure they are accurate!)

A bibliography is not required provided your footnote citations are complete and accurate.

The central purpose of the essay assignment is to test a student’s understanding of both the breadth and depth of interactions between human rights and the global economy encountered throughout the unit, so supporting examples and evidence should be chosen accordingly. Students should be sure to explain their reasoning behind the choices they make. Balancing depth and breadth in this way, and doing so within the set word limit, are challenges students will need to carefully consider when planning their essay.

Optional Capstone Essay (80%):

For LLM students who are undertaking this unit towards the end of their degree, and need a capstone experience to complete their degree, the essay (see above) will be extended to 7,000 words in length, inclusive of footnotes and it will automatically be counted as a capstone essay. It is due by 11.59pm, 31 October 2025 (Sydney, Australia time).

NB. Students wishing to avail themselves of this option must apply by email to the unit coordinator to undertake the assessment option of a Capstone Essay no later than the final day of teaching for the unit.

Your essay topic should respond to the material covered in the present unit. However, at the same time, in order to serve as a capstone for your LLM, it should build upon the learning that has taken place during your LLM studies more generally.

Due to the scaffolded nature of this written assessment, anonymous marking may not be practical.

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: 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.

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 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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

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. For example, a submission after the due time specified in the assessment summary but before the same time the following day will attract a 10% penalty.

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	Introduction to issues (Day 1 a.m.)	Seminar (2 hr)
	Corporations and human rights (Day 1 a.m. and p.m; Day 2 a.m.)	Seminar (6.5 hr)
	Global finance and human rights (Day 2 a.m./p.m.)	Seminar (4.5 hr)
Week 02	Aid, Development and human rights (Day 3 a.m.)	Seminar (3.5 hr)
	Trade and human rights (Day 3 p.m.)	Seminar (3 hr)
	Good Governance and the Rule of Law (Day 4 a.m.)	Seminar (3.5 hr)
	Prospects and possibilities (Day 4 p.m.)	Seminar (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend at least 70% of classes to satisfy the pass requirements for each unit of study. Failure to meet this requirement may result in a student being precluded from undertaking the final assessment.

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 are no set texts for the unit. However, most topics include required readings that draw on two books in particular, both of which are available online through the USyd Library:

David Kinley, Civilising Globalisation: Human Rights and the Global Economy (Cambridge University Press, 2009).
David Kinley, Necessary Evil: How to Fix Finance by Saving Human Rights (Oxford University Press, 2018).

As a matter of fact, both books are products of this very unit and more generally my teaching global economy and human rights courses in various formats over the past 25 years. In effect, therefore, the two texts are representations both of the development of my teaching in this and other similar units over time and the collective contributions of the students who have gone before you.

In addition, there are a host of other readings (both ‘Required’ and ‘Further’) noted under the Topic descriptions in the Reading Guide that will be posted on Canvas. All readings will be accessible either through Canvas “Reading List” or directly through hyperlinked URLs, or both.

Students are expected to read the texts assigned for each class and to reflect upon their reading prior to class, in order to maximise the opportunities for discussion and critical engagement in class. Though the readings have been carefully curated they are nonetheless substantial, so it is imperative that students dedicate sufficient time to get through all (or nearly all) before classes. Once classes begin there really will be vanishingly small opportunities to catch up!

The bottom line is that doing the readings is crucial to learning the subject and to getting the most out of the four days you spend in class.

The unit will be taught as much as possible in an interactive, seminar-style format, in which students are expected to be active participants. The ‘journal keeping’ component of the unit assessment (see Unit Outline on Canvas, is in part, intended to examine the degree to which you are indeed participating (or at least reflecting upon) the subjects we will traverse together.

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. Formulate, articulate and substantiate written and arguments using key features of the global economy and human rights laws and principles, in relation to a range of scenarios and issues;
LO2. Develop and deploy an independent, strategic sense of the potential and pitfalls of how human rights laws and principles intersect with the machinations of the global economy by reference to contemporary literature, policies and practices in this field;
LO3. Listen to, strive to comprehend and respond constructively to legal and policy arguments formulated by others, including fellow students;
LO4. Explain and critique particular dimensions of the theory and practice both of the global economy and human rights scholarship and policies by reference to contemporary literature in this field;
LO5. Articulate clearly and concisely your reflections on how intersections of the global economy and human rights impact on your own personal and/or professional world views.

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 weightings have changed.

Additional information

Resources - Sydney Law students

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS6846: Human Rights and the Global Economy

Semester 2b, 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)

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