Introduction to Human Rights

Course Content:

This module outlines the central themes in the history and evolution of human rights and
introduces students to theoretical debates within the field. Through case studies of
particular forms of human rights violations, it evaluates the political and legal structures
in place to address these violations and assesses the degrees of success human rights
actors have with enforcement.

Over the spectrum of international, regional and local institutions and mechanisms, this
module explores a range of organisations working within the field of human rights and
looks at how they operate.

As an introduction to the subject, this module looks at the relationship between theory
and practice within the field of human rights, and uncovers the challenges faced in
defending, protecting and promoting human rights in the 21st Century.

Topics covered include:

Autumn Semester:
? Introduction to studying Human Rights
? Evolution of human rights parts 1 and 2
? Theories of Rights: an overview
? The International Human Rights Framework
? Human Wrongs: Genocide
? Human Wrongs: Refugees
? Human Wrongs: Political Prisoners
? Human Wrongs: Apartheid
? Human Wrongs: Slavery
? Human Wrongs: Torture
? Human Wrongs: Climate change?

Spring Semester:
? The ?architecture? of the international & regional systems: to protect and
promote human rights Part 1
? The ?architecture? of the international & regional systems: to protect and
promote human rights Part 2
? Civil Society and the Campaigners? toolkit
? Campaign case studies 1: The ICC/Pinochet
? Campaign case studies 2: Land mines/Conflict Diamonds
? Campaign Case studies 3: Treatment for AIDS/LGBTIQ rights as Human Rights
? Campaign case studies 4: Environmental Justice/ Jubilee 2000
? Campaign case studies 5:Latin American grassroots social movements/ Global
Justice Movement

Teaching: Lectures and seminars

Assessment:
STUDY OPTION 1:
? 3000 word portfolio: In groups, students will choose a current human rights issue
and design a campaign for a particular human rights organisation
STUDY OPTION 2: background document (1500 words)

Study Option 1 = Whole Year
Study Option 2 = Autumn
Study Option 3 = Spring/summer