The aim of this course is to engender critical thought about law.  In particular, the course introduces students to feminist theories about law.  A range of topics will be discussed using a diverse range of feminist and critical materials.  Topics will include feminism within the academy, the concept of equality and violence against women as well as other topics.

At the conclusion of this course students should be able to:

• Describe particular feminist and other critical theories
• Use these theories to explore particular areas of law or legal issues such as discrimination, native title, abortion, violence against women, recognition of same sex relationships, and access to in vitro fertilisation.

The proposed means of assessment for this course will provide students with the option of undertaking at least two pieces of assessment, including one piece during the semester.  More information about the means of assessment, including the relationship between the assessment and the learning outcomes of the course will be available on the course home page by the first week of semester.

Throughout the course there will be three hours of teaching per week.  This will generally involve a one hour lecture and a two hour seminar.  Students are generally expected to devote approximately 10 hours overall per week to this course.

Completed or completing five LAWS courses at 1000 level.

Information about prescribed texts will be made available in the course outline.  See the course home page.

This course aims to provide students with critical skills which they can bring to bear in any area of law, complementing and building on skills attained in Lawyers, Justice and Ethics and Legal Theory.