HSC Legal Studies. The smart way to prepare for your HSC.

Core Part II: Human Rights

This course covers the Core Part II: Human Rights using the syllabus principal focus and the five themes and challenges for this part of the HSC Legal Studies course.

Guidance on how to relate the themes and challenges to each aspect of Human Rights is given. You will be shown how to address documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in examinations. The course covers a Charter of Rights for Australia and how to answer questions about arguments for and against it. Specific attention is given to evaluative and analytical thinking skills essential for high results.

The course investigates in detail one contemporary issue that illustrates the promotion and enforcement of human rights. Essential legislation, cases and international instruments and documents are also covered. Media reports provide current knowledge. Guidance and tips for answering multiple choice and short answer questions are provided, including how to incorporate relevant evidence.

This course is part of a three-part series covering key areas from within this subject’s syllabus. Other courses include HSC Legal Studies Preparation (Part 1) and HSC Legal Studies Preparation (Part 3). You do not need to attend all three parts in order to benefit. The series is supplemented by the HSC Legal Studies Exam Preparation Course (September) to prepare for end of year exams.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• investigate the notion of human rights
• explain the role of law in encouraging cooperation and resolving conflict, as well as initiating and responding to change, in relation to human rights
• assess the extent to which legal systems embody human rights and promote them in practice
• describe the legal and non-legal measures available to protect human rights
• evaluate the effectiveness of legal and non-legal measures in protecting human rights
• locate, select, organise, synthesise and analyse legal information about human rights from legislation, cases, media reports and international instruments and documents
• communicate legal information about human rights using well-structured and logical arguments
• analyse differing perspectives and interpretations of legal information and issues in relation to human rights.

Content

Legal Studies Stage 6 Syllabus 2009 Part II of the Core: Human Rights

• The nature and development of Human Rights, including formal statements of Human Rights.

• Promoting and enforcing Human Rights, including a Charter of Rights for Australia.

• Investigation of a contemporary issue which illustrates the promotion and enforcement of Human Rights and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the legal and non-legal responses to this issue.

(Aligned to NESA Syllabus Reference Points)

Intended audience

HSC Legal Studies students

Delivery style

This course will use a variety of learning activities to cater for different learning styles. These will include lecture style presentations, audio/visual material, discussions about human rights issues, sample HSC questions and answers, analysis of past student responses and opportunities for students to ask questions about the topic. What worked for past top/Band 6 Legal Studies students will be provided, with advice about learning the course material and study techniques. Lessons will incorporate both group and individual student participation.

Materials

You will receive electronic copies of the following:

• a course booklet covering all syllabus dot points for this topic
• legislation linked to syllabus dot points
• cases linked to syllabus dot points
• media reports linked to syllabus dot points
• international instruments and documents linked to syllabus dot points
• HSC style questions and answers.

Bring your own device

You are required to bring your own device (Windows or Mac) and a power cord. Please ensure your device is fully charged as access to power is limited.

Please note that University does not carry any responsibility for your lost, stolen, or damaged devices whilst on the University premises.

Getting Through Your HSC: A Practical Guide

While you progress through this journey and also the conclusion of your schooling life, we know you’ll have a lot on your mind – exams, future study, careers – but remember, while keeping focused on these bigger goals and aspirations, it’s also important not to forget your own health and well-being.

For tips on staying motivated and keeping focused, dealing with anxiety, keeping healthy, relaxation, pre-study exercise and more, read our article Getting Through Your HSC: A Practical Guide.