Unit rationale, description and aim
Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in modern times with a long history of accepting refugees and migrants since World War II. The central focus of this unit will be the rights of migrants and refugees available in Australia. This unit begins by helping students to identify the particular needs of migrants and refugees who are victims of violence, in relation to their experiences with the legal system, and outlined where changes in policy are required in order to provide greater protection to these marginalised groups. Students will examine the laws and procedures by which vulnerable migrants and refugees navigate, resist or escape violence, exploitation and other forms of harm through case studies. Students will also be introduced to the international and national legal frameworks for the protection of this group of people.
This unit begins by helping students to identify the particular needs of migrants and refugees, their experiences with state systems, and outlines where changes in policy are required in order to provide greater protection to these marginalised groups.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Critically examine international and national lega...
Learning Outcome 01
Investigate and analyse the concepts of victimolog...
Learning Outcome 02
Examine the key migration and criminal justice ins...
Learning Outcome 03
Conduct guided basic research by identifying and a...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics may include:
- International legal frameworks on Refugee and Migrant protection
- Migration and Citizenship in Australia: Law and Policy
- Immigration, crime and justice
- Migration Control and its impacts
- Understanding of refugee and migrant victimology in Australia
- Migrant and refugee women, domestic violence, and the issue of coercive control
- The Concept of Crimmigration: ethnicity and Crime
- Deterrence Vs Protection and the criminal justice system
- Migration and refugee youth and the criminal justice system
- Interactions with police
- Access to justice
- Immigration detention, punishment and justice
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment approach in this unit is designed to foster progressive learning while encouraging students to apply theory to practice across a range of contexts. Ongoing discussion forums posts allows students to engage with core readings, integrate scholarly research, and refine their understanding of key debates through regular, formative feedback. The extended written response develops deeper analytical and research skills by requiring students to examine how legal, policy, and political frameworks shape the treatment of migrants and refugees in Australia, strengthening their ability to construct evidence-based arguments. The policy briefing presentation builds on this foundation by challenging students to evaluate current responses, propose reforms, and communicate their findings persuasively in an applied, professional format. Together, these assessments are closely aligned with the unit’s learning outcomes (fostering knowledge in Migrants and Refugees) and graduate capabilities, supporting the development of critical analysis, independent research, and clear communication skills.
To pass the unit, students must achieve an overall mark of at least 50%. The final grade will be based on the total marks from all assessment items completed. While you don’t have to complete every assessment item, only the assessments you submit will contribute to your final grade.
Overview of assessments
Assessment 1 – Interactive Discussion Forum Asses...
Assessment 1 – Interactive Discussion Forum Assessments
Details: This assessment requires students to complete weekly discussion forum posts that focus on the protection of refugees and migrants in Australia. Students will critically examine international and national legal frameworks, explore the concept of victimology and crimmigration, and consider the vulnerabilities faced by migrants and refugees. Posts should draw on set readings, lecture materials, and independent research, with appropriate referencing to uphold academic integrity. By responding to discussion prompts and reflecting on peers’ contributions, students will deepen their understanding of contemporary legal and policy challenges and develop the ability to analyse and apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Students will be required to submit a portfolio of their forum responses at the end of the semester which will also include a reflection.
Purpose: The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that students develop a thorough understanding of key issues in refugee and migrant protection (LO1), critically analyse the vulnerability of individuals within the criminal justice system (LO2), evaluate the effectiveness of institutional responses (LO3), and practise basic research and referencing skills (LO4). By requiring reasoned, evidence-based contributions and consideration of peer perspectives, the assessment supports progressive learning, encourages thoughtful reflection, and safeguards academic integrity.
Format: Weekly discussion forum posts and reflection.
10%
Assessment Task 2: Extended Written Response (40%...
Assessment Task 2: Extended Written Response (40%)
Details: This assessment task requires students to complete extended written responses that critically examine key issues, concepts and debates from the unit. Each response will address a focused question (provided in advance) relating to state responses to migrants and/or refugees in the Australian context. Through these responses, students will explore: how legal and policy frameworks, as well as political debates, shape the treatment of migrants and refugees in Australia; the interrelationship between migration and criminal justice issues; and the real-world implications of state responses (laws, policies and practices) for the lived experiences of migrant and refugee communities. Students are expected to connect their analysis to key concepts introduced in the unit and support their arguments with academic literature from the unit and their own independent research.
Purpose: The purpose of this assessment is to develop and measure students’ ability to critically analyse contemporary issues related to state responses to migrants and refugees in Australia. By engaging with focused questions, students will demonstrate their capacity to: identify and interpret key issues, concepts and debates in the field; analyse state law and policy and apply theoretical perspectives to examine how state responses shape real-world experiences; and integrate scholarly sources from the unit and their own independent research to construct well-supported written arguments. In doing so, the task builds students’ knowledge of migration and criminal justice issues and their intersections, while also strengthening critical thinking and academic writing skills in line with the unit’s learning outcomes.
Format: Written assessment.
40%
Assessment Task 3: Policy Briefing (Oral Presenta...
Assessment Task 3: Policy Briefing (Oral Presentation) (50%)
Details: Students are required to deliver an oral presentation that critically examines a selected issue relating to the experiences of migrants and/or refugees in Australia. The presentation should provide a clear overview of the chosen issue, evaluate how the migration system and/or criminal justice system is responding and consider the implications of these responses for rights, safety and justice. In their presentation, students will be expected to identify and critically evaluate how laws, policies, practices, regulation and/or enforcement shape the lived experiences of a chosen cohort. They should make an effective case for reform by offering clear, evidence-based recommendations that draw from academic research and grey literature to support their analysis. Students will undertake independent research into their topic with structured support provided throughout the unit. During the presentation, students will be expected to respond to questions from the LIC on their chosen issue.
Purpose: The purpose of this assessment is to develop students’ capacity to evaluate and communicate how state systems operate in relation to migrants and refugees, and to propose meaningful reforms. The task requires students to: critically analyse the role of migration and/or criminal justice institutions in responding to a key issue; connect their analysis to relevant theoretical perspectives and policy debates; demonstrate independent research skills by drawing on scholarly and grey literature; and communicate their findings and recommendations in a clear, concise and persuasive oral format. In doing so the assessment builds students’ ability to apply theory to practice, assess the adequacy of current responses and develop and articulate practical, evidence-based recommendations for reform that aim to improve justice outcomes for migrant and/or refugee communities.
Format: Oral presentation.
50%
This Unit requires you to use the American Psychological Association (APA) 7th edition referencing system. Please see: Library Guide: APA 7 - Referencing - Library guides at Australian Catholic University (acu.edu.au)
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
The strategy is to encourage students to actively engage with unit content and their peers; to provide a clear link between lecture content to develop an authentic, case-based understanding of the interaction between criminal justice institutions and migrants and refugees. Within an integrated learning framework, lectures will provide core content relating to the topics identified above and begin a process of active, engaged, exploration which will be deepened by detailed explanations and further investigation in classes.
This unit helps students to develop their knowledge of laws and policies for the protection of migrants and refugees (including international and domestic). Students will learn the concept of victimology and crimmigration through different case studies. Each component is intended to build on knowledge, understanding, and skills to progressively scaffold student learning.
The online learning platform used in this unit provides multiple preparatory and practice opportunities to guide in-class and out-of-class study. Online learning assistance in the form of learning resources, notices, and assessment information (including online submission, marking, and return of results/feedback), is student-focused, affording greater accessibility and flexibility to the learning experience.