On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyse and apply, in a principled manner, the principles of selected issues in employment law, both in Australia and in selected other countries.
2. Undertake legal research at an intermediate to advanced level, and evaluate and apply a range of legal sources to resolve contemporary employment law problems.
3. Structure and sustain persuasive written arguments for a legal audience. Communicate effectively individually and as part of a team.
4. Interact with peers in an ethical manner, appropriate to an academic environment. Exercise professional judgement in completion of in-class activities and assessments.
5. Reflect on the different approaches taken in other countries with respect to selected employment issues and engage in informed debate as to the efficacy of the current state of Australian employment law.
6. Analyse and critically evaluate the purpose and effect of Australian employment law.

Relevant resources will be made available to students through MyUni/Canvas.

This course will be taught through:

• 12 x 2-hour weekly lectures; and

• 6 x 2-hour fortnightly seminars.

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

This course comprises a total of 24 hours of interactive lectures, supported with 12 hours of additional structured learning activities that prepare participants to undertake each fortnightly seminar.

In addition to attending interactive lectures and seminars, it is expected that students will also undertake a substantial amount of independent preparation. Students will also be required to devote time to completing course assignments.

The total time commitment for this course is estimated at 156 hours.

The following topics will be covered over a 12-week program:

Topic 1: an introduction to contemporary issues in Australian employment law

Topic 2: the role of courts and parliament in regulating employment

Topic 3: the contractual model of employment

Topic 4: implied terms in the contract of employment

Topic 5: internships

Topic 6: digital platform work and the gig economy

Topic 7: post-employment restraints

Topic 8: freedom of expression, social media and the work/life boundary

Topic 9: the right to disconnect

Topic 10: menstrual leave

Topic 11: migrant workers

Topic 12: undocumented migrant workers

Assessment task	Task type	Weighting	Length	Due	Learning outcomes
Research assignment	Individual; summative	30%	1,500 words	Thursday, 4 April 2024 at 2:00 pm (Week 6)	1-6
Research essay	Individual; summative	70%	3,500 words	Thursday, 13 June 2024 at 2:00 pm (SWOTVAC Week 2)	1-6

Research assignment (30%)

Students are asked to respond to a request within the Federal Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to prepare a research paper in response to several questions, which raise issues covered in Weeks 1 to 4 of the course.

Students are asked to write a short research paper (1,500 words maximum, including all footnotes, headings and quotations), summarising the relevant employment law issues associated with particular questions asked, and to share their views on whether they agree or disagree with the position(s) taken in respect of those questions.

Students are required to present their research paper as a truly evidence-based evaluation of the ideas presented. With this in mind, students must thoroughly support their argument by using primary and secondary sources.

Research essay (70%)

Students are asked to select a specified research question to address in essay form (3,500 words maximum, including all footnotes, headings and quotations). The topics for the proposed research questions will be taken from throughout the course.

The purpose of this research essay is to evaluate students’ ability to research and critically evaluate arguments and literature on the identified issues from throughout the course.

Students’ research essays are required to:

• be written in prose style (using complete sentences), adhere to grammatical rules and use correct spelling;
• be structured in a logical and coherent manner;
• refer to appropriate secondary sources, including a selection from beyond the prescribed readings for this course, in support of views and arguments;
• have a clear and helpful introduction, which introduces the issues to be discussed, outlines the central question(s) to be examined, and foreshadows the structure of the essay;
• place the issues to be addressed in a logical sequence;
• place the greatest emphasis on the most significant issues (ie, spend more time on important issues than on matters less worthy of attention);
• use headings and subheadings, if necessary, to improve the structure of the essay, and to signpost the essay to assist the reader; and
• have a conclusion, in which the threads of the argument are drawn together, and an overarching conclusion is stated.

Word limits

Students must adhere to the word limit for each assignment. Word limits include all words in the text, in headings, and in footnotes, but not in any separate bibliography appended to a research essay. 5% of the total mark possible will be deducted for every 10% (or part thereof) by which the assignment exceeds the word limit.

Electronic submission

All assessment items must be submitted electronically through MyUni, and may be checked for plagiarism. Students must retain a copy of all submitted assignments.

Assignments must be written in prose style (using complete sentences), adhere to grammatical rules, and use correct spelling. All written work in the Adelaide Law School is required to comply with The Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4^th ed), which is available at http://www.law.adelaide.edu.au/library/research/.

Where an assignment is not submitted by the due date, 5% of the total mark possible will be deducted for every day (that is, a period of 24 hours commencing at the due time of submission) or part thereof that the assignment is late.

Extensions for assessment

Extensions may be granted on medical, compassionate or other special circumstances recognised under the University’s Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy.

The completed extension application webform and any documentation (such as a medical or counsellor's certification) should be submitted before the assessment due date. You will be notified of the result of your request.

The course is constantly being updated and revised to reflect the evolution of the law, to respond to student feedback, and to engage with the latest teaching practices. Student feedback is collected each time the course is run, including through SELT reports. Previous SELT reports, and staff feedback on them, are posted on the course MyUni site for students to view and consider.

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.

The centre offers 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.

Lex Salus Program

Lex Salus (law and wellbeing) is an initiative of the Adelaide Law School aimed at destigmatising mental health issues; promoting physical, mental and emotional wellness; building a strong community of staff and students; and celebrating diversity within the school. It also seeks to promote wellness within the legal profession, through the involvement of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Australia, the Honourable Chris Kourakis, as the official Patron of the program.

Students can participate in the Lex Salus program by attending barbecue lunches, pancake breakfasts, knitting and crochet circles, seminars, guest speakers, conferences and other activities. Our Facebook page, website and regular all-student emails promote upcoming events, and have tips and information on wellness.

Our Lex Salus YouTube channel also includes videos on topics like managing stress, and interviews with LGBTQ lawyers and their supporters which celebrate diversity and individuality. Students who commit to 10 hours of volunteering with Lex Salus in one year can have their service recognised on their academic transcript and through a thank you morning tea with the Chief Justice and law school staff.

Student Life Counselling Support

The University’s Student Life Counselling Support service provides free and confidential service to all enrolled students. We encourage you to contact the Student Life Counselling Support service on 8313 5663 to make an appointment to deal with any issues that may be affecting your study and life.

Academic Integrity

All students must be familiar with the University’s Academic Integrity Policy. Academic Misconduct is a serious matter and is treated as such by the Law School and the University. Academic Misconduct (which goes beyond plagiarism) can be a ground for a refusal by the Supreme Court of South Australia to admit a person to practice as a legal practitioner in South Australia. Academic Integrity 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.