Course overview
- Study period
- Summer Semester, 2024 (25/11/2024 - 08/02/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Law School
This course allows students to apply knowledge and skills gained in the LLB within an international environment. It will explore opportunities for interjurisdictional learning, including exposure to civil law, and assist students in developing their cross-cultural competence and regional employability prospects.
In this course students will undertake a two week international placement with BABSEACLE. BABSEACLE is a not-for-profit access to justice initiative based in South-East Asia that is committed to creating globally greater access to justice through pro bono, rule of law and justice education initiatives.
Students accepted into the course will receive funding through the New Colombo Mobility Program to cover the costs payable to the international organisation and their accommodation in Thailand for the duration of the placement. Students will be required to meet their own costs of travel (airfare, visas, etc) and most meals while on the placement. Students should be aware that where they have received New Colombo Mobility Program funding they must fully participate in the activities of the placement and course or be liable for possible repayment of funding.
The placement with BABSEACLE will be in Chiang Mai for two weeks from 2 – 14 December 2024 (please allow for travel time around these dates). To be accepted into this course, students must have attended a meeting (online) with BABSEACLE and two workshops in November 2024 and January 2025 (exact dates to be agreed with students) at UQ (in hybrid mode).ﾠ
While on placement, students will gain international experience working with local law students, lawyers and community legal education advocates focusing on access to justice, community legal education and strengthening rule of law in the Asia region and globally. Students will attend daily workshops/seminars as well as assist the organisation with legal research, preparation of legal education materials and collaborate with partner organisations on other projects. Students will visit partner organisations as part of planned events and participate in cultural activities.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Permission from the Head of School
Restrictions
LLB and associated dual programs
Course contact
Aims and outcomes
Teaching Mission Statement
The mission of the TC Beirne School of Law is to educate students in and about the law. We seek to assist you to think critically about the law and to investigate its structures, principles, policies, and values. This is achieved by engaging with you as fellow investigators in a range of critical and intellectual conversations about the law and its place in society. Our role is thus to guide you in your own intellectual journey in the law and to equip you with the necessary skills that will enable you to continue that journey long after you have left the School.
Course Aims
This course allows students to work with an international organisation to develop an understanding of transnational justice issues, increase cultural competence and professional skills within a global environment.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Evaluate justice issues from a transnational perspective and identify ways justice issues can be improved / resolved.
LO2.
Create resources / develop research projects / undertake tasks as required for international justice partners.
LO3.
Identify and apply a range of advanced legal research and writing skills appropriate for the project/ resources/ tasks.
LO4.
Tailor legal skills and communication skills to the needs of particular audiences / cultural groups.
LO5.
Demonstrate intercultural competencies.
LO6.
Reflect upon and evaluate workplace skills and experiences in the placement and apply these to a future workplace context.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation |
Presentation to class (with bibliography)
|
10% |
25/11/2024 4:00 pm |
| Participation/ Student contribution, Placement |
Attendance and Participation
|
10% |
2/12/2024 - 14/12/2024
Note that travel commences before 2 December 2024. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection |
Reflective Journal
|
30% |
24/01/2025 4:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Research Assignment
|
50% |
7/02/2025 4:00 pm |
Assessment details
Presentation to class (with bibliography)
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
25/11/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04
Task description
You will undertake research and present to the class before the placement in Thailand in week 1 of semester.
In this first workshop, each student will make a short presentation of no longer than 5-7 minutes on the following topics:
- their expectations for the placement including how they hope to build on their professional skills; and
- a short discussion of a topic assigned to each student by the course coordinator.
This presentation is designed to encourage students to think about what workplace skills they hope to acquire or develop during the placement, to provide a forum for students to meet each other prior to travelling to and working in Thailand, and to share their research about an aspect of the culture, law and legal process and political context of Thailand with some comparative law reflection.
Preparation for the presentation: You will each be assigned a different topic relating to an aspect of the culture, law and legal process and political context of Thailand. You are expected to do modest research, identifying reliable sources and summarising information your find, to succinctly deliver a brief summary to other students. You will also be expected to provide a comparative reflection on your understanding the coreesponding law, policy or legal system in Australia. No research on the Australian system is required, however, students are expected to read the reading relating to comparative legal analysis theory.
Aim of Assessment: The purpose of this first task is to inform each other about key aspects of context of the placement country, to hear from each other about expectations for skills building and to begin to think about comparative perspectives of law.
Format: You must present for approximately 5-7 minutes. You are not expected to provide visual aids such as power point slides or any write up of your presentation. The atmosphere of this workshop is one of conversation and sharing knowledge and perspectives. You are expected to submit a written bibliography of no longer than 1 single-sided page.
Grading: The presentations will be marked according to the marking rubric provided on Blackboard.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst you may use AI technologies, successful completion of this assessment task will require you to critically engage with your experiences. Artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. Please ensure that your reference any use of AI (and any other external source). A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct Policy . Please note that you may be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of your written submission independent of AI tools or other sources where there is a concern about authenticity of the submission.
Submission guidelines
To be delivered orally in class and bibliography to be submitted on the course website.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Penalties for Late Submission
The following penalties apply to late submission of an assessment item, assuming that an extension has not been approved, and that late submission is academically possible (e.g., it does not delay feedback to a cohort, or interfere with course delivery).
First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) - 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
More than 7 periods of 24 hours - 100%.
Attendance and Participation
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Placement
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
2/12/2024 - 14/12/2024
Note that travel commences before 2 December 2024.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This task comprises attendance and performance as assessed by BABSEACLE staff in consultation with the course coordinator.
Attendance and participation during the entire duration of the placement are mandatory. Students must also perform all activities assigned to the satisfaction of BABSEACLE and the course coordinator.
The BABSEACLE officer will provide a simple 1-10 rating and a 1 page report addressing questions set by the supervisor. A rubric for this assessment item is provided on the course website.
If there are problems during the internship, it is important to contact Associate Professor Bartlett promptly.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct Policy .
Submission guidelines
This item of assessment will be signed off by the BABSEACLE Officer.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Reflective Journal
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
24/01/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L05, L06
Task description
You must prepare a reflective journal critically addressing how the placement has influenced:
- your understanding of cultural competence and your understandings of this in the context of being a legal practitioner; and
- your professional skills as well as what you need to develop further as a future lawyer and/or legal professional.
Your reflections must be informed by reference to readings prescribed.
The reflections will need to:
- explain what you understand cultural competence to be based on your reading as prescribed in the course and your experience on placement;
- describe your own cultural values and understandings and how you have reflected upon these during the placement;
- reflection on how this understanding of culture competence might impact you as a legal practitioner;
- provide a detailed description of at least one incident/issue/challenge/success you encountered during your placement, and how you reacted to it;
- discuss your challenge and consequent growth in responding to the incident/issue/challenge/success you chose to document; and
- consider what this means for you and how this reflection might influence your future as a lawyer or professional.
You may use a reflective method SEAL (situation, effect, action, learning) : Learn from your experiences - Careers and Employability - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au) which will be explained in more detail during the course. You may choose to answer the questions in your own way.
The journal is to be no longer than 1500 words. The marker will stop reading at the word limit. There is no requirement for you to undertake independent research for this task, and therefore no bibliography is required.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst you may use AI technologies, successful completion of this assessment task will require you to critically engage with your experiences. Artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. Please ensure that your reference any use of AI (and any other external source). A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct Policy. Please note that you may be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of your written submission independent of AI tools or other sources where there is a concern about authenticity of the submission.
Submission guidelines
Assignments must be submitted electronically via the submission link on the course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered will generally be limited to one week in the first instance. In exceptional circumstances, approved extensions may be granted for more than one week but will not exceed four weeks in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should be advised to apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure .
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Penalties for Late Submission
The following penalties apply to late submission of an assessment item, assuming that an extension has not been approved, and that late submission is academically possible (e.g., it does not delay feedback to a cohort, or interfere with course delivery).
First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) - 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
More than 7 periods of 24 hours - 100%.
Research Assignment
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
7/02/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
You must write a research essay demonstrating independent research undertaken and applied, and reflecting on your placement experience. BABSEACLE will nominate the research topics that will be available on Blackboard after the international placement. The essay must demonstrate application of a relevant theory, draw on independent research undertaken and critically reflect on your experience and knowledge gained in the placement. Further guidance is provided on the course website.
The word limit for the paper is 2,500 words. The marker will stop reading at the word limit. The essay should be appropriately referenced applying AGLC citation conventions. The essay should footnote all sources and quotations. Any substantive legal analysis/critical discussion in footnotes will not be read and will not contribute to your mark. The footnotes and headings do not count towards the wordcount. A bibliography is required and is not part of the total wordcount.
This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct Policy.
Submission guidelines
Assignments must be submitted electronically via the submission link on the course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered will generally be limited to one week in the first instance. In exceptional circumstances, approved extensions may be granted for more than one week but will not exceed four weeks in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should be advised to apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure .
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Penalties for Late Submission
The following penalties apply to late submission of an assessment item, assuming that an extension has not been approved, and that late submission is academically possible (e.g., it does not delay feedback to a cohort, or interfere with course delivery).
First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) - 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
More than 7 periods of 24 hours - 100%.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 47 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 48 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
See rubrics in Blackboard for each assessment item.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Identification, categorisation and citation of appropriate sources are a major part of this course. Ask your supervisor for assistance if you are in doubt as to what is required.
The library's 'How- to' guides may be a useful starting point: http://www.library.uq.edu.au/useit/
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 4 |
Lecture |
Lecture - doing comparative law analyses Two lectures will be provided as online recordings available on the course website. These lectures will cover the topics of:
Students are expected to listen to these recordings as part of their learning in the course and will be expected to apply these ideas within their assessment answers. Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 1 (25 Nov - 01 Dec) |
Workshop |
Induction and presentation workshop (2 hr) This is a compulsory activity that will introduce students to the course and provide instruction about the theoretical perspectives to be applied to the course including for assessment, and provide an opportunity to meet each other prior to the placement. The first assessment item will be conducted during this workshop (see above in assessment: presentation) which will also provide information about the legal, cultural and political context of the placement (in Thailand) and a first discussion of applying comparative law approaches. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 4 |
Placement |
Weekly Seminars / Workshops/activities Each day of the course there will be seminars / workshops run by the international organisation, BABSEACLE, supervisors. There will also be visits to partner organisations as directed by BABSEACLE. A detailed itinerary will be provided to students in the course. The placement runs from 2-14 December 2024. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Placement |
Work / Tasks / Activities You will be required to complete legal research and / or other work based tasks for the legal organisation. Most tasks will be required to be completed in groups. Students will also be presenting work as legal education and training within Thailand. The placement runs from 2-14 December 2024 Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L06 |
|
Placement |
Cultural Activities Students will participate in cultural activities organised by the international organisation during the placement from 2-14 December 2024. Exact dates / times will be provided as part of the itinerary to be circulated to students in the course. Learning outcomes: L05 |
|
Week 7 (13 Jan - 19 Jan) |
Workshop |
Placement debrief and assessment session This session will consist of a structured session for students to debrief about their experiences within the placement and to reflect upon what they learned and the challenges faced. The session will also provide a revision of theoretical perspectives covered in the course and an opportunity to discuss how assessment (reflective journal and essay) is to be undertaken. This session is a compulsory session but may be conducted as an online or hybrid session depending on student availability. The session will be held on 13 January 2025 (subject to change within this week in consultation with students). Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: