Human Rights

Course Overview

This course provides a foundational yet in-depth overview of modern international human rights law and institutions. It commences with a brief consideration of the idea and philosophical bases for human rights, as well as its historical underpinnings and evolution. The survey then concentrates on the basic content of modern international human rights law as set out in leading international and regional agreements. Consideration will then be given to the principal mechanisms for implementing human rights law, ranging from UN and treaty bodies to NGO advocacy. With this framework in place, focus will turn to current and pressing human rights issues and situations, including women’s rights, transnational duties, and business and human rights. Each week specific topics will be supplemented with case studies from the professor’s own advocacy experience on selected issues in various countries.

Course Requirements

The final examination will be a three-hour in-class examination. Final grades will be based on the final examination, as well as on class participation.