191-301 Law in Social Theory

Formerly available as 191-210. Students who have completed 191-210 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Completion of 37.5 points of second-year socio-legal studies including 166215 Rights and the Law and 191211 Law, Justice and Social Change.

This subject builds upon issues introduced in Law in Society, and Law, Justice and Social Change. It examines the theories of the role of law propounded by such writers as Durkheim, Marx, Weber, Foucault, Habermas, Derrida and others such that the relationship between law and other disciplines such as sociology, political theory and cultural studies can be explored. Students examine different theories of how law works and its role in society and social conflicts, and consider these theories in light of different contemporary problems selected by the students and the lecturer.

• have highly developed cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills;

• have an advanced understanding of complex concepts and the ability to express them lucidly in writing and orally;

• have sophisticated awareness of cultural, ethnic and gender diversities and their implications;

• have an ability to plan work and to use time effectively.

Written assessment 25% (due during semester), an oral examination 55% (due during the examination period) and class presentation 20%.