International Human Rights Law

University of Reading

Course Description

  • Course Name

    International Human Rights Law

  • Host University

    University of Reading

  • Location

    Reading, England

  • Area of Study

    Legal Studies

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Upper

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    10
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    6
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    8

  • Overview

    Module Provider: School of Law
    Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
    Level:6
    Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
    Pre-requisites:
    Non-modular pre-requisites:
    Co-requisites:
    Modules excluded: LW2SHR International Human Rights Law (Summer Course)
    Module version for: 2014/5
    Module Convenor: Dr Alison Bissett
    Email: a.j.bisset@reading.ac.uk
    Summary module description:
    Aims:
    ?To provide students with a core knowledge of the principal treaties, conventions and resolutions concluded under the auspices of the UN.
    ? To introduce students to the enforcement and implementation measures of the various treaties controlled by the treaty-monitoring bodies.
    ? To explore the interface between international law, international human rights law and international criminal law.
    ? To draw attention to the impact of international human rights law obligations on internal domestic law.
    ? To equip students with the facilities to examine human rights violations in their own countries
    Assessable learning outcomes:
    By the end of the module, the student should be able:
    ? To work with the major international human rights instruments and conventions.
    ? To compare and contrast the different techniques for enforcement of international human rights law.
    ? To explain the functioning and jurisprudence of some of the major UN treaty-monitoring bodies.
    ? To apply critical perspectives to international human rights law.
    ? To appreciate the nature and scale of the efforts to protect human rights at the international level.
    Additional outcomes:
    The module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills and the student?s effectiveness in group situations. Students will also develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources and databases.
    Specific skills which students will be encouraged to acquire through this unit relate to the development of research skills and the ability to synthesise, criticise and evolve a sustained and independent argument in that students are required to write a substantial non-assessed essay involving critical consideration of legal, political and socio-economic issues on which there will be no formal teaching.
    Outline content:
    ? Introduction and Origins of the United Nations Human Rights Programme.
    ? The United Nations Charter and the Institutional Framework of the Human Rights Organs.
    ? The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948.
    ? The International Covenants 1966.
    ? The United Nations Human Rights Complaints Procedure.
    ? The Prosecution of the Most Serious Human Rights Violations.
    ? Appraisal and Future Prospects.
    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    There are two or three lectures per week in the Autumn Term and five tutorial supervisions in the Spring Term. Students are expected to prepare for tutorials, in which there is a group discussion of assigned questions. One non-assessed essay will also be set.
    Contact hours:
    Autumn Spring
    Lectures 25
    Tutorials 5
    Guided independent study 75 95
    Total hours by term 100.00 100.00
    Total hours for module 200.00
    Summative Assessment Methods:
    Method Percentage
    Written exam 100
    Other information on summative assessment:
    Formative assessment methods:
    Penalties for late submission:
    The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
    where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
    where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
    The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
    You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
    Length of examination:
    One three-hour examination paper. Three questions to be answered from a selection of questions.
    Requirements for a pass:
    40%
    Reassessment arrangements:
    See School Guide (Programme Assessment).
    Last updated: 8 October 2014

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Some courses may require additional fees.

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.

Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.

Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.

X

This site uses cookies to store information on your computer. Some are essential to make our site work; others help us improve the user experience. By using the site, you consent to the placement of these cookies.

Read our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Confirm