Outline

Overview

Hate crime has emerged as a global problem in the last few decades. Yet the concept itself is controversial. This unit aims to trace the development of the socio-legal concept of hate crime, causal explanations for hate crime and the different ways in which it is regulated. The unit will examine some the major forms of hate crime, including racist, ethno-religious and homophobic violence, with a focus on contemporary debates, such as: is violence against women a form of hate crime; should paedophiles be a protected category; should hate crimes attract higher punishment than other crimes? The unit will critically assess the international geography of hate crime law, making comparisons between Australia, the UK and the US. The unit will seek to provoke debate about how we should define and combat the problem of hate crime. Refer to the Sydney Law School timetable - https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533/pages/postgraduate-lecture-timetable

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Gail Mason, gail.mason@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 2 October 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task (0%) EFT	0%	Mid-semester break Due date: 25 Sep 2026 at 23:59	10 questions / 20 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Class Participation (10%) Class Participation ongoing	10%	Ongoing	Ongoing	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment (30%) A 2000 word written task	30%	Week 04 Due date: 16 Oct 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Oct 2026	2000 words / 3 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Critical Research Essay (60%) A 5000 word research essay	60%	Week 09 Due date: 17 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Dec 2026	5000 words / 7 weeks	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task (0%)

This unit includes an Early Feedback Task that is designed to provide students with timely insights into their understanding and engagement with the unit content. The Early Feedback Task in this unit is a multiple choice quiz comprised of 10 questions.听The task will be available on Canvas on 25听September 2026 until 23:59 on 30 September 2026, Sydney Australia time. It will be tailored to reflect key concepts from the first day of classes. Students will be provided with immediate automated feedback upon completion of the task.听

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Class Participation (10%)

To encourage reading prior to class and engagement with unit content, students will be assessed on their contribution to discussion in class. This participation will be assessed on: 1) Frequency & Preparedness: regularity of contribution to discussion & demonstration of engagement with required readings or other materials 2) Quality of Contributions: degree to which comments are relevant, constructive and demonstate reflective or critical thinking rather than repetition alone. Students will be asked to complete a Self Assessment Class Participation Form to provide feedback to the lecturer on their preparation for and contribution to class discussion.听

Short Release Assignment (30%)

A written Assignment, 2000 words (exclude references), will be available in Canvas from the first day of classes (Tuesday 22 September 2026 9 am). The assignment will be comprised of one or more compulsory question/s.

The aim of the assignment听is to ensure that students engage with key literature in the field. It will assist students to consolidate their understanding of the literature, make connections across literature and topics in the unit and bring a critical eye to these topics. It requires students to read unit materials and participate in the entire unit rather than limit themselves to topic/s addressed in other assignments.

Release date: Tuesday 22 September 2026 at 9 am (Sydney, Australia time).

Due date: Friday 16 October 2026 by 11.59 pm (Sydney, Australia time).

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Critical Research Essay (60%)

Students will be required to answer a question/s provided by the lecturer. The question/s will be provided at the beginning of classes (Tuesday 22 September听听2026 at 9 am). The critical research essay, 5000 words (exclude references), will require students to undertake independent research and provide critical reflection on the topic.

Students will be assessed on the quality of 1) the independent research 2) the critical reflection 3) written skills of analysis, argumentation and communication.

The assignment encourages students to undertake inter-disciplinary research in a specialised area/s. This听enables students to develop a depth of knowledge in the selected area/s. The assignment also assesses the skills of critical analysis, the听development of an argument, and communication skills.

Release date: Tuesday 22 September 2026 at 9.00 am (Sydney, Australia time).

Due date: Tuesday 17 November 2026 by 11.59 pm (Sydney, Australia time).

听

Word limit penalty:听A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count for essay and other written assessments will exclude听all footnotes and any bibliography (if required), and exclude听acknowledgements of assistance from editors, automated writing tools or generative AI (where use is permitted).

Referencing:听The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer. A link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at听听

Special consideration:听Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.听听

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study:听A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of 高清福利片 in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student鈥檚 result for this Unit of 高清福利片.听 As the EFT is an early diagnostic tool, this task is not included in the final grade for the unit.听听

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the听听(Schedule 1).听

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.听

Result name听	Mark range听	Description听
High distinction听	85 - 100听	鈥� Completely answers the question.听鈥� Contains striking originality of approach or analysis.听鈥� Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research听 required).听鈥� Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed.听鈥� Is otherwise exceptional in some way.听
Distinction听	75 - 84听	鈥� Completely answers the question.听鈥� Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues.听鈥� Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument.听鈥� Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented听 argument.听鈥� Generally well expressed and free from errors.听鈥� Has a clear structure and is well articulated.听
Credit听	65 - 74听	鈥� Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question.听鈥� Contains no significant errors听鈥� Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues.听鈥� Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues.听鈥� Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.听
Pass听	50 - 64听	鈥� Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument.听鈥� Contains some significant errors.听鈥� Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues.听鈥� Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question.听鈥� Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase.听鈥� Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis.听鈥� Adequate expression.听鈥� Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and听 satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject听 area.听
Fail听	0 - 49听	鈥� Does not answer the question.听鈥� Contains significant or numerous errors.听鈥� Few or no identifiable arguments.听鈥� Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant.听鈥� Lack of research or analysis.听鈥� Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or听 structure.听鈥� Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the听 assessment.听

For more information see听听

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the听Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, without an approved extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per 24 hours or part thereof, after the due time on the due date. Penalties for late submission will be applied strictly, subject to a 5 minute grace period.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website听provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the听Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)听which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the听Current Students website听for more information on AI in assessments, including听details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a听simple extension.鈥� The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can鈥檛 complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for听special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,听听includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy听reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 02	1. Introduction: What is Hate Crime; 2. Where Does Hate Crime Come From I?	Seminar (4.5 hr)
Week 03	3. Where does Hate Crime Come From II? 4. Imagining the Other	Seminar (4.5 hr)
Week 04	5. Regulating the Self 6. Intersectionality	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 05	7. Vulnerability & Difference 8. Ordinary People or Extremists?	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 06	9. Hate Crime Law: International Comparisons I 10. Hate Crime Law: International Comparisons II	Seminar (4.5 hr)
Week 07	11. Hate Crime Law in NSW 12. Policing Hate Crime	Seminar (4.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance:听All students are required to attend 70%听of classes听to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student鈥檚 result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).听听

听

高清福利片 commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All required readings can be accessed from the Reading List on the unit site on Canvas.听

Readings must be read before class. The importance of reading before the classes cannot be stressed too strongly. Where students are prepared and willing to participate, the four days of discussion and explanation will give them a firm and critical grasp of the field. Discussion questions are set for each session. Students should come to class prepared to discuss these questions. 听

Given the intensive nature of the unit, and the importance of active engagement with each other, a range of teaching techniques will be employed: mini-lecture, small group work, discussion questions, problem solving, open discussion, class debate etc. All听teaching will proceed on the assumption that the required reading has been done.

听

Warning: The required reading for this unit contains written and visual material that may be distressing, offensive or insulting. While all care is taken to ensure that such content is presented in a sensitive manner, exposure to this material is essential to understand and critique hate crime. If you have any concerns about this material, please do not hesitate to speak with the lecturer.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Critically analyse historical, social, political and legal factors shaping the emergence of hate crime as a concept.
LO2. Evaluate doctrinal and policy based evidence on the characteristics and prevalence of hate crime in the Australian context.
LO3. Critically evaluate legal frameworks governing hate crime, including their interaction with criminal justice institutions, punishment and regulation.
LO4. Apply relevant legal research methodologies to investigate and develop a sustained, independent analysis of a contemporary issue in hate crime law or policy.
LO5. Communicate coherent, well reasoned criminological and socio legal arguments on hate crime to specialist and non specialist audiences.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one鈥檚 personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes since unit was last offered

Additional information

Educational Integrity in Referencing:听All submitted work must be fully and accurately substantiated with evidence and citations. It must be complaint with the University Academic Honesty in Coursework Policy 2015. In this unit, students are allowed to reference their work by using either: 1) a recognised academic 鈥楬arvard鈥� style of referencing (author family name and date in brackets in the text of the paper, using a page number for direct quotes only, and a Reference List at the end of the paper) 鈥� for an example see the American Psychological Association Style Guide; or 2)听the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) 鈥撎齛听link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at

听

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an .

高清福利片

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

高清福利片 commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS6862: Hate Crime

Semester 2b, 2026 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

高清福利片 commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links