This seminar deals with the contemporary concern with human rights, with emphasis on international and national institutions and nongovernmental organizations. The seminar examines the development of international human rights standards and of their international and national implementation. It examines these standards in diverse political social contexts. Can political and civil liberties be expected in an authoritarian state? Can "positive" economic and social rights be assured in a market economy or by a poor developing country? The problems of addressing human rights in a world of independent "sovereign" states are explored; including the role of human rights in East-West and North-South relations in light of recent changes in the international political environment.
The seminar discusses the treatment of refugees, with a particular focus on the United States. Attention also is devoted to the activities of international organizations, the United Nations (UN) and its specialized agencies, as well as regional human rights systems in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and elsewhere. Finally, the seminar examines human rights in national foreign policy, particularly in the law and policy of the United States, including some case studies. Emphasis is given to the role of nongovernmental organizations in influencing the debate on these issues in international form, such as the UN, and in the formulation of bilateral foreign policy. The seminar evaluates NGO strategies in the context of specific country case studies.
Section Offerings for 2012-13
| Course No. | Term | Name | ||
| & Section | Instructor(s) | Schedule | Location | |
| W8829-001 | 13S | International Human Rights Advocacy | ||
| H. Shamsi | W 6:20 PM-8:10 PM | WJWH 101 | ||
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