The content of this course may vary from year to year. Please see Other Information below for details of any special courses currently on offer.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Synthesise and apply knowledge and ideas within the chosen special topic
- Review case law, legislation and scholarly writing as it pertains to the chosen special topic
- Incorporate social, comparative or interdisciplinary approaches into legal analysis of the special topic
- Research and synthesise legal materials and other relevant sources to present a cohesive argument that addresses a legal question arising from the special topic
- Make original and reflective contributions to debates on theoretical, policy and practical issues relating to the special topic
Research-Led Teaching
Moeen’s research is interdisciplinary and draws on critical approaches to law. He is especially interested in constitutional politics and judicial review; criminal justice systems; intersection of state and Islamic law; and post-conflict state-building.
Required Resources
An E-brick with the required and recommended readings will be posted on the course Wattle site.
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- written comments
- verbal comments
- feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.
Other Information
Task submission times refer to Canberra time (AEST/AEDT).
Extensions, late submission and penalties: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties
Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations
Special consideration: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/special-assessment-consideration
Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties
Further information about the course: is available from the course WATTLE page. Students are required to access the WATTLE site regularly throughout the course for any announcements relating to the course.
Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
---|---|---|
1 | November 16 - Nature of Emergencies; Colonial Roots of Emergency Powers | |
2 | November 17 - Constitutionalizing Emergency Powers (Large-C of Small-c); Emergency Powers in South Asia 1 | |
3 | November 18 - Emergency Powers in South Asia 2; Emergency Powers in Southeast Asia 1; The Pandemic: Overview | Assessment 2 - Discussion |
4 | November 23 - Emergency Powers in Southeast Asia 2; Emergency Powers in East Asia | |
5 | November 24 - Comparative use of Emergency Powers: Latin America and Eastern Europe; Student Presentations | |
6 | November 24 - Student Presentations | Student Presentations |
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment |
---|---|---|---|
Class Participation | 10 % | * | 30/11/2020 |
Assignment | 30 % | 22/11/2020 | 07/12/2020 |
Research Paper | 60 % | 08/01/2021 | 08/02/2021 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.
Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.
Participation
Classes will be held online on November 16-18 and 23-25, from 11 am to 4 pm. There will be two 2-hour sessions each day, with a 1-hour lunch break in the middle.
For all courses taught in intensive mode, the ANU College of Law considers participation in the classes offered to be an important part of the educational experience of the graduate program and students are required to attend ALL classes (and all of each class).
In exceptional circumstances, a student may be granted permission by the Course Convenor, in consultation with the Stream Convenor or Director, LLM Program, to miss some classes, provided:
a. it does not exceed a maximum of 25% of the classes;
b. permission is requested in advance; and
c. the request is supported, where appropriate, by adequate documentation.
Failure to comply with this policy may result in a student receiving the grade of NCN (non-complete fail). The normal pressures of work or planned personal trips do not constitute exceptional circumstances to justify an exemption from full compliance of this policy.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes:
Class Participation
Format: Class Participation will be marked for contributions during the course (except during discussions related to the the Assessment 2 and presentation on days 3, 5 and 6 of the course which will be marked as part of Assessment 2).
Weighting: 10%
Assessment criteria:
a) Preparation and understanding of the material
- consulting and reading pre-assigned materials in advance of the lectures/seminars
- linking material between various aspects of the class and different lectures
b) Thinking critically about the material
- looking at questions from different angles
- questioning assumptions
- use of language
c) Expressing ideas clearly
- so that other students and the instructor can understand them
- use of relevant examples
d) Engaging with other students in the discussion
- including encouraging others to speak
- responding to what others have said
- being respectful for a range of views and opinions
e) If possible, linking material with your own background and knowledge
- which involves relating the material to your own personal and professional experience
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes:
Assignment
Format: Students will be required to conduct research on the use of emergency powers in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in an Asian jurisdiction (may choose any jurisdiction after consultation with the course convenor) and submit a brief to be distributed to the class. This part of the assessment will be worth 20% of the grade. On day 5 and 6 of the course, the students will make presentations to the class based on their paper. This part of the assessment will be worth 10% of the grade.
Submission of paper due: 5:00 pm on Sunday, 22 November 2020. This task is compulsory and failure to submit it will result in a mark of 0. Late submission is permitted but a penalty will be imposed - see below.
Weighting: 30%
Word length: Maximum 1,200 words for the brief.
Assessment criteria for the written brief:
a) Understanding of the Issues
- addresses the issues and covers all the important points
- issues raised by the topic are clearly and concisely identified
- material chosen relates clearly to the topic and is analysed not just summarised or quoted extensively
b) Quality of Analysis
- critical analysis of the material
- complexity and insight in dealing with theory/ideas
- interdisciplinary perspective
- clear theme or argument
c) Structure and Style
- arguments logical and well-organised
- ideas/paragraphs linked coherently
- a precise introduction
- succint and well-reasoned conclusion
Assessment criteria for the oral presentation:
a) Substance and Structure
- coherently summarizes the written brief
- addresses the main issues and important points
- critical analysis of the issues
- clear theme or argument
b) Presentation Design/Skills
- clarity and conciseness of expression
- ability to engage interest
- good use of slides and presentation materials
- use of supplementary materials such as images/film (optional)
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes:
Research Paper
Format: Research Paper --- The research paper will develop the arguments made in Assessment 2 brief and presentation
Submission due: 5:00 pm on Friday, 8 January 2021. This task is compulsory and failure to submit it will result in a mark of 0. Late submission is permitted but a mark penalty will be imposed - see below.
Length: Maximum 4,500 words
Weighting: 60%
Assessment criteria:
a) Understanding of the Issues
- develops a good framework and questions for research
- addresses the question and covers all the important points
- evidence of close consideration of the question and the research materials drawn on
- issues raised by the topic are clearly and concisely identified
- material chosen relates clearly to the topic and is analysed not just summarised or quoted extensively
b) Communication & Development of Argument
- clear theme or argument
- arguments logical and well-organised
- ideas/paragraphs linked coherently
c) Argument/Analysis
- originality of ideas and critical analysis of the material
- complexity and insight in dealing with theory/ideas
- suggestions for change where appropriate
- interdisciplinary perspective
- well-reasoned conclusions
d) Research
- research covering primary and secondary materials
- good organisation of sources and ability to synthesise all the research materials used
- use of theoretical material
- range of research sources
- integration of material from research resources into the essay
e) Presentation, style and referencing
- good use of structure, section headings and paragraphs
- clarity and conciseness of expression, interesting and engaging of reader
- use of appropriate terminology and correct grammar, syntax and spelling
- full and accurate footnotes together with a bibliography
- style according to Australian Guide to Legal Citation
- adherence to word limit
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.
The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.
The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.
Online Submission
You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.
Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.
Late Submission
Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:
- Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
- Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.
Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.
Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.
Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Research InterestsMoeen Cheema is a Senior Lecturer at the ANU College of Law and has considerable experience of research, teaching and consultancy in the fields of comparative public law, criminal law, and legal and political developments in South Asia. |
Dr Moeen Cheema
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
Dr Moeen Cheema
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