Enrolments for 2020 have closed.
Jurisprudence
Postgraduate | RMI-OJD100 | 2020
Course information for 2020 intake
View information for 2021 course intakeContemplate the phenomenon of law. Integrate your understanding of the political, social, historical, philosophical and economic impacts of laws. Be introduced to great thinkers and ideas to be able to formulate your own critical interpretations.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 14 weeks
FEE-HELP available
Jurisprudence
About this subject
On successful completion of this subject you will be able to:
- demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of the political, social, historical, philosophical, and economic context of law
- engage in identification, articulation and critical evaluation of legal theory and the implications for policy
- critically analyse and research complex problems relating to law and legal theory and make reasoned and appropriate choices amongst alternatives
- demonstrate sophisticated cognitive and creative skills in approaching legal theory
- demonstrate the intellectual and practical skills needed to justify and interpret theoretical propositions.
- Introduction to Jurisprudence What is law?
- Natural Law and Legal Positivism.
- Contemporary Natural law.
- Liberalism in the law.
- Legal Science/law and economics.
- Legal Realism/Critical Legal Studies.
- Sociological Jurisprudence, sociology of law.
- Postmodernism.
- Feminist Jurisprudence.
- Critical Race Theory.
- Legal concepts and theories of justice.
- Globalisation and world order.
Jurisprudence is the study of the phenomenon of law. While it is primarily law’s self-understanding, it involves interdisciplinary study of law as well. The subject analyses and considers the implications of the different understandings and approaches.
The subject will introduce the student to the great thinkers and ideas about law. It provides a survey of their ideas and approaches and critical analysis of those ideas and approaches. It also provides in depth analysis of contemporary and popular ideas and critiques of law. As law is a global phenomenon the degree will examine thinkers and ideas from a variety of countries and eras.
At the conclusion of this subject, students will have developed a deeper, critical and more comprehensive appreciation of the nature of law and the legal system, as well as a better understanding of the role of law (and hence lawyers) in society. The subject will provide an opportunity for students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as communication skills through class/online activities, as well as learning and assessment tasks.
- Policy Brief (20%)
- Research Essay (40%)
- Take home Exam (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
To help set you up for success before you start this subject, we suggest completing or having equivalent knowledge in:
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.