Units / LAW5486
LAW5486 · Queer law
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Faculty of Law
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit will provide you with in-depth knowledge of the laws regulating sexuality, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics. You will learn not only what the law is, but also what it should be. Using international human rights law as a lens, you will critically evaluate Australia’s state, territory and federal laws which impact on LGBTIQA+ people and consider how they can be improved. You will also have an opportunity to engage in comparative analysis of laws in other jurisdictions, in order to identify better/alternative approaches to respecting and protecting the rights of LGBTIQA+ people.
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | Winter semester | Teaching activities are on-campus and in a block period (ON-BLK) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Class participation | Demonstration | 10% | — |
| 2 | In class tests | Quiz / Test | 30% | — |
| 3 | Research Essay | Written | 60% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
prohibitions
- LAW4548 — Queer law
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the laws regulating sexuality, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics.
- Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in relation to the human rights issues (domestic and international) pertaining to LGBTIQA+ people so that you can apply the research to contemporary human rights issue faced by this community.
- Use high level cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate compelling law reforms to better protect the rights of LGBTIQA+ people.
- Demonstrate highly detailed knowledge of key principles, concepts and policies relating to queer law.
- Effectively plan, undertake in-depth research and write a highly persuasive paper around reforming the law to better protect LGBTIQA+ people at the local, national, regional or international level.
Workload
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit typically comprises of a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study applicable to a 6 credit point unit. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning, and online engagement.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Workshops | 36 hours |
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