ANIML SC 3250RW - Animals and the Law

Roseworthy Campus - Winter - 2014

This course will look at the ethics and jurisprudence on the way humans think of and treat animals, the history and present status of animals as property, and the statutory and case law in which non-humans play a part. The course will involve visits to different animal enterprises in order to assess how the law works in practice and the effectiveness of enforcement in these real life situations.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ANIML SC 3250RW
    Course Animals and the Law
    Coordinating Unit School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
    Term Winter
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s Roseworthy Campus
    Units 3
    Contact 10 day intensive
    Course Description This course will look at the ethics and jurisprudence on the way humans think of and treat animals, the history and present status of animals as property, and the statutory and case law in which non-humans play a part. The course will involve visits to different animal enterprises in order to assess how the law works in practice and the effectiveness of enforcement in these real life situations.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Alexandra Whittaker

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Demonstrate a knowledge of the basic framework of animal-related legislation in Australia
    2 Show how the law is applied to animals and animal-based enterprises
    3 Interpret and apply legislation to animal-based enterprises
    4 Show an understanding of the difficulties in creating legislation relevant to animals and animal-based enterprises
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 3, 4
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2, 3
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 4
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 2, 4
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1, 3, 4
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 2, 3, 4
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 2, 4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Bruce, A. 2012 Animal Law in Australia
    Recommended Resources
    Additional resources as available in the Roseworthy and Barr Smith Libraries Access to various animal enterprises, such as the RSPCA, Animal Welfare League, animal production & housing facilities.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course will run as a 3 week intensive course including blocks of lectures and field trips to various animal enterprises in the first 2 weeks. The third week will be self study time to allow for assignment completion and preparation for and sitting of the theory exam.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required.  This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g.,
    lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision).

    Learning Activities Summary
    Lecture topics to be covered during the course are:
    • Philosophical basis for Animal Law
    • The current legal status of animals
    • Overview of existing legal framework
    • Key provisions of animal welfare legislation       
    • Regulation of the treatment of companion
    • animals
    • Regulation of the treatment of farm animals
    • Regulation of wild animal welfare
    • Regulation of animal testing
    • Animal rights movement
    • International law
    • Litigation & enforcement
      Practicals will involve field trips to various animal enterprises, including representatives of:
    • Companion animals (vet clinic, RSPCA, Animal Welfare League)
    • Animal Research
    • Laboratory Animal facilities
    • Intensive production facility (piggery or poultry)
    • Captive animal facility (zoo)
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting Hurdle Learning Outcome
    Open
    Book Theory Exam
    Summative

    3rd week of course

    40% No 1, 2, 3, 4
    Case Study Summative 3rd week of course 45% No 1, 2, 3
    Legal
    case role play
    Summative 2nd week of course 10% No 3, 4
    Learning
    reflection
    Formative & Summative 1st week of course 5% No 1, 3
    Assessment Detail
    Theory Exam (40%): Students will sit a 3 hr theory exam at the end of the 3rd week of the intensive course. The exam will be a combination of types of questions, including short and long answers.  

    Case Study (45%): Students will submit a 3000 word case study based on an example  provided to them. The students will be expected to discuss the case in relation to previous published cases and its relevance towards animal ethics & welfare. Students will be expected to provide critical interpretations and personal viewpoints. This will be due in the 3rd week of the intensive course – time will be provided throughout the course for assignment preparation.  

    Legal case Role Play (10%): Students will form small groups and perform a legal role play (moot) on
    a case given to them, or one of their choice. This tests the ability to use legal reasoning and argue based on the relevant law.  

    Learning reflection (5%): Students will undertake the legal writing activity available on myuni: Writing and Speaking at Uni AU_LTDU_0004 and write a 500 word reflection on the activity.
    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

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  • Policies & Guidelines
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