Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The rationale for the unit Consumer Protection & Product Liability is to provide an overview of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).

Aims

This unit focuses on the rights available to a consumer generally in trade or commerce, and in particular, if respect of defective goods. It is intended to develop an awareness of those parts of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), (Schedule 2, Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)). Some of the key provisions, most notably s 18 of the ACL, are not restricted to consumer transactions, and are resorted to in commercial disputes of various sizes, complexity and value.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Identify, apply and effectively communicate commercial and consumer law principles in real world contexts;
2 Critically evaluate the current controversies and unresolved questions in the commercial and consumer law field;
3 Critically evaluate the practice and operational aspects of commercial and consumer law and proposals for reform;
4.Demonstrate skills relevant to employment, professional practice and life-long learning, including skills in using information technology, time management, an ability to work independently, problem solving and legal writing skills; and
5. Evaluate and reflect upon your own performance and development, to recognise and remedy gaps in knowledge and skills relevant to this unit, future law units and your future professional practice.

Content

This course is concerned with the statutory and common law actions which are available to protect consumers from misleading or deceptive conduct and improper business practices and the statutory and actions available when loss or damage is suffered as a result of defective products.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The teaching approaches in this unit are closely tied to the unit objectives, and are designed to enhance and foster deeper approaches to student learning.

There will be weekly two-hour small group sessions throughout the semester. These will be lecturer and student facilitated sessions where the individual problems and case studies provided to students for each session will be discussed. It is intended that this be an interactive session and students will be assessed upon their contributions to the class discussion.

External students will be provided with access to recordings of these small group discussion forums.

Assessment

The assessment in this unit will be both summative and formative.Responses to questions and contributions made in the small group sessions will provide you with feedback on your progress. The discussion in the small group classes will also provide you with formative feedback you need to guide and focus your preparation for the research paper.

You will be provided with written feedback on your research paper. External students will also receive written feedback on their external exercise.

Assessment name: External Problem Solving
Description: You will be required to answer in approximately 1,000 -1,500 words) an exercise relating to aspects of the course, which will mainly be in the form of problem solving.
The primary purpose of this assessment is to test your understanding of unit content, and this is explicitly assessed.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Wk 10

Assessment name: Research Paper
Description: A research paper of approximately 6,000-8,000 words (absolute maximum). A list of research paper topics will be provided in the Study Guide. You may undertake a research paper on a topic outside the list, but must first have the topic approved by the Unit Coordinator. The citation method required for written assessment may be found in Written Assessment in the Law School: Legal Citation which is accessible through http://www.student.qut.edu.au/about/faculties-institutes-and-divisions/faculties/law/publications/_nocache.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 70%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Assessment name: Discussion Forum
Description: This is a measure of your contribution to the discussions of the group. In assessing your performance; attendance, preparation and participation will be taken into account.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weekly

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Prescribed text
Corones, The Australian Consumer Law, 2nd edition (Lawbook Co., Sydney, 2013).

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 11-Mar-2013