James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2000

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AY5020:06

Ethics and the Law

Townsville

Inadmissable Subject Combination: AY5001 AY5003 AY5012

20 lectures, 10 hours seminars, 20 hours workshops. June intensive mode.

Available to students who have completed a BA(Hons) or a BSocSc(Hons) in anthropology or archaeology or a BSc(Hons) in archaeology or other equivalent qualification approved by the Executive Dean on advice from the Head of School. Also available to all students enrolled in the Postgraduate Certificate of Cultural Heritage Studies, Postgraduate Diploma of Cultural Heritage Studies or Master of Cultural Heritage Studies.

Staff: Ms R Henry.

This subject looks at the national and international legal frameworks within which heritage management operates. It also examines a range of ethical considerations, critically assessing the practical application of such principles as informed consent, privacy and confidentiality. The subject considers legal and ethical issues such as the ownership of heritage, land tenure, intellectual property and other rights and introduces students to the trial process, problems of evidence and the role of heritage professionals when acting as expert witnesses.

Learning Objectives:

  1. analyse key ethical and legal concepts that inform the practice of heritage management and research;
  2. understand the political and social context in which codes of ethics, legislation and policy relating to heritage were developed;
  3. understand the scope and sources of the body of law relating to heritage;
  4. understand the role of heritage professionals when acting as expert witnesses or as participants/contributors to a mediation process.

Assessment by practical exercises in workshops (40%); written assignments (60%).


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