LAW 3514 - Human Rights Internship Programme

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

The course places students in 'internships' with human rights organisations located internationally and nationally for a period of six weeks. The internships enable students to build on their understanding of the theory of human rights law by gaining an appreciation of its practical operation. The course aims to give depth and context to students' existing knowledge of human rights law. During the internship, the students will be required to complete an agreed research task under the supervision of a senior person at the chosen human rights organisation. This research task might involve research into a specific area of law or policy for the purpose of a 'test-case' being run in the courts, for the drafting of a report, or the preparation of educational material. The research task will be negotiated by the student and the organisation, with the approval and supervision of the course coordinator. It is expected that students will also be involved in the day-to-day activities of the organisation and gain an understanding of how such organisations operate. Prior to commencement, students will be given orientation to introduce them to the strategies and procedures generally employed by human rights organisations. The seminars will be conducted by the course convener in conjunction with practitioners in the field.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code LAW 3514
    Course Human Rights Internship Programme
    Coordinating Unit Adelaide Law School
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate Law (LLB)
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites LAW 1501, LAW 1508
    Incompatible LAW 2017
    Assumed Knowledge LAW 2513
    Restrictions Available to LLB students only. Enrolment is by selection only, please consult with Course Coordinator for eligibility.
    Course Description The course places students in 'internships' with human rights organisations located internationally and nationally for a period of six weeks. The internships enable students to build on their understanding of the theory of human rights law by gaining an appreciation of its practical operation. The course aims to give depth and context to students' existing knowledge of human rights law.
    During the internship, the students will be required to complete an agreed research task under the supervision of a senior person at the chosen human rights organisation. This research task might involve research into a specific area of law or policy for the purpose of a 'test-case' being run in the courts, for the drafting of a report, or the preparation of educational material. The research task will be negotiated by the student and the organisation, with the approval and supervision of the course coordinator. It is expected that students will also be involved in the day-to-day activities of the organisation and gain an understanding of how such organisations operate.
    Prior to commencement, students will be given orientation to introduce them to the strategies and procedures generally employed by human rights organisations. The seminars will be conducted by the course convener in conjunction with practitioners in the field.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Laura Grenfell

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. To understand and appreciate the ethical dimensions of the role of lawyers, and the functioning of law and legal systems; ·
    2. To understand legal citation conventions in the course of legal writing; ·
    3. To apply excellent research skills; · 
    4. To develop the capacity to analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources and experiences; ·
    5. To have an awareness of the incompleteness of law and the continuous state of development of legal principles; 
    6. To develop development of critical thinking and problem solving skills; ·
    7. To apply good inter-personal and communication skills in both written and oral communication and independently and as a member of a team;
    8. To further enhance written and oral skills in the explanation of, analysis and synthesis of legal principle; ·and  
    9. To develop an ability to critically analyse and apply legislation, rules and cases in context.
    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. 1-8
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 5-6
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1-8
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 7
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 8
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 8
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 8
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The internships enable students to build on their understanding of the theory of human rights law by gaining an appreciation of its practical operation. The course aims to give depth and context to students’ existing knowledge of human rights law. It is expected that students will be involved in day-to-day activities of their internship office and gain a broad understanding of how such organisations operate and of the operation of human rights law generally.
    Workload

    No information currently available.

    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

    Specific Course Requirements
    The course gives students academic credit for ‘internships’ with human rights law organisations that are of a duration of 8 weeks minimum.
  • 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 Item % of final mark Due date Group or individual assessment Redeemable
    Diary summaries (3 x 500 words) 30% (ie 10% each) Intermittently during the course of the internship individual no
    Research Essay (3000 words) 60% After the completion of the internship individual no
    Reflection on research methodology 10% After the completion of the internship individual no
    Organisation briefing Pass/fail After the completion of the internship individual n/a
    Assessment Detail

    The portfolio has four components:

    (1) an agreed research task/essay (approximately 3000 words) (worth 60%);

    (2) a reflection on research methodology employed in the research task (one page) (worth 10%); and

    (3) a briefing on the operation of the organisation and your role at the organisation (1-2 pages) (pass/fail).

    (4) 3 x 500 word diary summaries to be emailed during the course of the internship that identify and analyse (i) how the internship is helping to develop your legal skills; (ii) the legal texts/instruments that are relevant to your practice of international/human rights law;(iii) the in/efficiency of the legal processes you are observing/interacting with, and; (iv) how political dynamics are impacting on the practice of international/human rights law of your organisation (worth 30%). The first of these summaries must be submitted in the first 4 weeks of the internship so that feedback can be provided to assist in the preparation of subsequent summaries and preparation of the research essay.

    Upon completion of your internship, you will be required to hand up parts 1-3 of the portfolio on a negotiated date.

    1. The Agreed Research Task

    The subject of your research task will be negotiated with the subject co-ordinator and, if possible, your internship supervisor. Ideally the focus of this research task/essay should be a practical one relating to your internship.

    For example, if you are asked to research and write a paper for the organisation, you may use this as the base of your task/essay as long as you have the organisation’s permission to do so. This permission is important, especially where the material you are looking at is of a confidential nature.

    Or you can use your experience as the basis of your paper – eg. How does the Council on Human Rights operate? Is it effective? Why/why not? How could it be reformed?

    Your research task/essay must have a legal focus and include legal analysis.

    The due date for the portfolio will be negotiated between the student and the course co-ordinator. However, if you are enrolled in the first semester version of the programme, all work must be in, at least, before the commencement of the next semester.

    Students may re-submit only the essay for academic cause (more than 45%). Other parts of the portfolio cannot be resubmitted.

    Students are reminded that a conceded pass (45-49%) in this course does not count as a pass in the course for the purposes of the LLB (see the relevant academic program rules). If a student receives a conceded pass in this course, they may do further work on their essay and resubmit it. In this case, their essay will be remarked, and if the new mark on the essay raises their overall mark to a passing grade, the student will be awarded 50% for the course.

    Grade Descriptors for the Essay and the Portfolio

    FAIL 0-49

    • Does not develop coherent and rational arguments
    • Demonstrates fundamental errors of understanding of key legal principles and concepts
    • Minimal evidence of research to support argument
    • Absence of legal analysis and reflection
    • Demonstrates limited analytical and evaluative skills

    PASS 50-64%

    • Adequate articulation of argument
    • Demonstrates a basic understanding and application of analytic concepts and theoretical concepts
    • Minimal adherence to citation style
    • Adequate relevant research informing the argument
    • Basic understanding of that reading
    • Insufficient legal analysis and reflection
    • Adequate skills in written expression and presentation

    CREDIT 65-74

    • Demonstrates a high level of understanding of the relevant legal materials
    • Shows a thorough understanding of relevant legal materials
    • Demonstrates some critical legal thinking and evaluative skills
    • Adequate legal analysis and reflection
    • Adequate skills in written expression and presentation

    DISTINCTION 75-84

    • High standard of understanding of the relevant legal materials with some original and sophisticated perspectives
    • High level of insight and legal analysis
    • Broad ranging legal research skills
    • Evidence of high level of critical legal thinking
    • Well developed analytical and evaluative skills
    • Developed skills in written expression and presentation

    HIGH DISTINCTION 85-100

    • Outstanding level of understanding, reflection and interpretation
    • Compelling, well-supported and tightly structured legal arguments
    • Broad ranging research and original and sophisticated thinking
    • Highly developed written communication skills

    Submission
    PRESENTATION OF ASSIGNMENTS
    1. All parts of the assessment must be emailed to the course coordinator
    2. There will be a penalty of 5% per day or part thereof for any late submission without a formal extension of the time granted.
    3. The Portfolio must:
    • Be footnoted (substantive footnotes will be included in the word count)
    • Be double-spaced and paginated
    • Have a bibliography appropriate for the topic
      Adhere to the word limit.

    Students must retain a copy of all assignments submitted.

    All written work in the Law school is required to comply with the approved Law School style guide, The Australian Guide to Legal Citation.

    Extensions: Requests for extensions must be made electronically according to law school policy. Extensions will be granted only for unexpected illness, hardship or on compassionate grounds in accordance with University Policy. Work commitments, travel, holidays or sporting engagements are not unexpected circumstances.

    Late Submission: 5% of the total mark possible will be deducted for every 24 hours or part thereof that it is late, including each day on a weekend. For example, an essay that is submitted after the due date and time but within the first 24 hour period, and that has been graded at 63%, will have 5% deducted, for a final grade of 58%. An essay that is more than 24 hours late will lose 10%, etc. Hard copy submissions made after 5.00pm on a Friday will be assumed to have been submitted on the next business day and will be penalised accordingly.

    Word Length: Assignments which exceed the allocated length (word length or page limit) will be subject to a penalty of 5% of total marks possible per 100 words or part thereof (ie with a word limit of 3,000, an essay graded 63% will have 5% deducted if it is 3001 words long, for a final grade of 58%, 10% if it is 3101 words long, etc). Words are calculated including all footnotes and headings within the text but excluding cover page information. Quotations and all referencing information are included in the word count.

    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.

    Courses for which a result of conceded pass has been obtained may not be presented towards the degree requirements for the Bachelor of Laws or the Honours Degree of Bachelor of Laws programs, or any postgraduate law program, nor to satisfy prerequisite requirements within any law course.

    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.

  • Student Support

    The University Writing Centre provides academic learning and language development services and resources for local, international, undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students enrolled at the University of Adelaide.

    Practical advice and strategies for students to master reading, writing, note-taking, time management, oral presentation skills, referencing techniques and exam preparation for success at university through seminars, workshops and individual consultations.

    For more information please check out the Writing Centre website at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/

  • Policies & Guidelines

    This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.

    Further information regarding the Law School Policies and Procedures in relation to Supplementary Assessment, Extensions, and Remarks etc can be found at:

    https://unified.adelaide.edu.au/group/law-school/policies-and-procedures

    Plagiarism and other forms of cheating

    Plagiarism is a serious act of academic misconduct. All students must be familiar with the Adelaide Law School Enrolment Guide 2014, and should note in particular the sections relating to plagiarism, grievance procedures and academic conduct within the Law School and the University.

    Plagiarism is a serious matter and is treated as such by the Law School and the University. Please be aware that “academic dishonesty” (which goes beyond plagiarism) can be a ground for a refusal by the Supreme Court of South Australia to refuse to admit a person to practice as a legal practitioner in South Australia.

    Academic honesty is an essential aspect of ethical and honest behaviour, which is central to the practice of the law and an understanding of what it is to be a lawyer.

  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.