Availabilities:

2024 unit offering information will be available in November 2023

Unit description

Explains the basic structure of Australia's Constitution, which is federal in nature - dividing powers between the Commonwealth and State Parliaments, and limiting what kinds of laws they can make.

Unit content

Module 1: Introduction; the historical context; State Constitutions
Module 2: Division of powers between Commonwealth and States
Module 3: Characterisation, heads of power, inconsistency
Module 4: Express constitutional rights, freedoms and limitations
Module 5: Implied constitutional rights and freedoms
Module 6: Democracy and the Constitution; separation of powers; the Dismissal

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1 describe the imposition on the Australian colonies of British law, and the gradual growth of political independence and nationhood, being aware of gender and race issues
2demonstrate in discussion or in a written essay a knowledge of the Commonwealth and NSW Constitutions, especially the separation of powers, the State/ Federal division of powers, and the protection of human rights and civil liberties
3analyse significant constitutional case law and explain its significance to constitutional law
4demonstrate in discussion or a written essay an understanding of the cultural context and social and political impact of constitutional law, including the environmental, gender and race issues pertaining to constitutional law

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. describe the imposition on the Australian colonies of British law, and the gradual growth of political independence and nationhood, being aware of gender and race issues
  2. demonstrate in discussion or in a written essay a knowledge of the Commonwealth and NSW Constitutions, especially the separation of powers, the State/ Federal division of powers, and the protection of human rights and civil liberties
  3. analyse significant constitutional case law and explain its significance to constitutional law
  4. demonstrate in discussion or a written essay an understanding of the cultural context and social and political impact of constitutional law, including the environmental, gender and race issues pertaining to constitutional law

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every teaching period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the teaching period.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

+