Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Content

Topics will include: 

•  Community perceptions of human rights 
• The philosophical basis for human rights and responsibilities 
• An historical overview of the ‘bill of rights’ debate in Australia 
• The case for and against a Human Rights Act in each jurisdiction 
• The relevance of international law and UN instruments 
• Freedom of religion and freedom of conscience 

Topics will also include a selection of the following: 

• Human rights, abortion and the right to choose 
• Same sex marriage 
• Euthanasia and the right to die 
• Anti-discrimination law generally 
• The human rights of Indigenous Peoples 
• The human rights of asylum seekers 
• Counter-Terrorism laws and human rights 

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

MODE: Multimode Intensive. 

ATTENDANCE PATTERN: Workshops; online; intensive 

You will be required to do preparatory reading and activities prior to the first class. 

You should anticipate undertaking 150 hours of study for this unit, including class attendance, readings and assignment preparation. 

This unit will be taught as a 2-hour lecture followed by a 2-hour tutorial. Our strategy is to encourage students to actively engage with unit content and their peers; to provide a clear link between lecture content and tutorial practicum to develop skills that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Through direct interaction between students and teachers, students are encouraged to engage in critical analysis of the foundational knowledge they acquire; to test that knowledge by applying it to factual situations; to produce solutions supported by legal authorities and arguments; and to reflect on their learning. 

ACU Online

This unit uses an active learning approach to support students in the exploration of knowledge essential to the discipline. Students are provided with choice and variety in how they learn. Students are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions. Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning in situations similar to their future professions. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding, application and engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress.