LLB Law / Course details

The next generation will face new challenges in the workforce and society related to changes in digital technologies; the aim of this course is to prepare students for this future.

The course does not require any background disciplinary-specific set of skills and welcomes diverse backgrounds and interests - success in the future will be about hybrid professionalisation, and there is no better time to start this preparation than the present!

The course introduces students to a wide range of skills and learning experiences. Students will have the opportunity to learn from a diverse range of academics (e.g., computer science, management studies) and professionals (e.g., c-suite executives, legal technicians, law firm partners, management consultants). Students will have the chance to gain hands on experience in document automation and building apps, as well as experiment with in time real world role playing exercises (e.g., creativity sessions, investment decision making) and practice their listening and speaking skills in simulated professional environments. Students will also be introduced to a range of readings and information that covers a wide variety of topics related to digital technologies and governance, such as blockchains (smart contracts and virtual monies), digital platform models, the role of data in regulation and industry, change management and work flow allocation, gendered and radicalised dynamics of technology that challenge the possibilities of our democratic futures…

The class sessions aim to be fun and to prepare students to be career ready, with previous student cadres from the course already employed at graduation and a number of diverse industry employers viewing the class as a talent academy for recruitment. If you are interested in broad questions of digital technologies and private/public governance, this might be a class for you and all are welcome. 

Educational aims of the course are to:

1) Provide students with knowledge of multiple dynamics at play in the relationship between law and regulation, money, organisational design/tactics, and technological innovation, as well as provide practice-oriented skills to prepare students entering the workforce (e.g., coding, interfacing with clients);

2) Encourage the development of skills in reasoning and analysis through the use of non-doctrinal materials;

3) Facilitate both a critical and practical understanding of the interface between law, money and technology in a variety of institutional/professional contexts; and

4) Engage students in reflection on the underlying socio-political stakes and policy choices involved in the engagement between law, money and technology. 

At the end of the course, learning outcomes for those who apply themselves are as follows: 

The class sessions are organised to offer students a variety of unique perspectives and skill-orientations at the interface of digital technologies and public/private governance, with an emphasis on blending critical reflection and practical hands-on capacity. Students are expected to participate in regular exercises and dialogue that are integrated into the class sessions.

1) Understand variety of computer technologies and implementation processes / models related to the delivery of legal services;

 2) understand challenges and opportunities of monetary, regulatory or technological change, as well as various methods for weighing costs and benefits of possible regulatory possibilities and industry practices; and

 3) appreciate challenges facing questions of justice and sustainability, the difficulties involved in client relationships, and the obstacles arising in the actual design and implementation of monetary, regulatory and technological services (e.g., addressing user experience, creativity, reliability, maintainability, overall effectiveness).

1) Collaborating with other project members on assignments to deadline;

 2) capability building automated applications for real-world use;

3) sharpen reading, speaking and writing skills that demonstrate critical thinking and independent;

4) develop literacy comfort with business/managerial and monetary/financial policy discussion; and

5) express confidence in applying the conceptual understanding necessary to solve legal and practical problems and developing techniques to assist with this process.

1) Team work;

2) research and writing skills;

3) presentation skills;

4) critical self-reflection;

5) technological know-how (to create future applications); and

6) cross-sector/interdisciplinary proficiency.

The course grade will derive from two assessments. At the end of the term, students will complete a take home coursework essay that counts for 80% of their final grade (undergrad student, 2000 words; masters students 4000 words). The other 20% is based on a collaborative group project, which is specifically designed to help prepare the class for the final coursework essay, but which also for practicing a range of additional ‘soft’ skills emphasised as important by industry stakeholders. In addition, there will be a number of extra-curricular opportunities to develop skills further and meet employers (e.g., hack-a-thons, additional app building sessions).

 The class is designed where there is regular space for discussion, review and question/answer to ensure that no one feels lost in the material and where everyone has ample opportunities to be prepared for the final coursework essay. 

The course uses a variety of materials and mediums (e.g., articles, books, videos), and students are introduced to a range of required and recommended materials. All of these materials are available via the library or online and will not require any purchases.

Eligibility

There are no prerequisites for the course. 

This course is available to incoming study abroad students.