S. International Human Rights Advocacy

Course Information

Course Number
W8829-SEM
Curriculum Level
Upperclass
Areas of Study
Human Rights, International and Comparative Law
Type
Seminar

Section 001 Information

Instructor

Section Description

This seminar considers major issues in contemporary international human rights from the perspective of the advocate. The initial class sessions will familiarize participants with key human rights standards and their implementation and enforcement through international, regional and national institutions and by non-governmental organizations. The remainder of the seminar will evaluate human rights advocacy tools and strategies applied in current political and social contexts and through case studies. We will critically examine the role of institutions and non-governmental organizations in upholding, advocating or failing to uphold international human rights standards. Topics are wide-ranging and include the challenges and opportunities presented to human rights advocates by: developments in national security and counterterrorism laws and policies; the intersection of international human rights and humanitarian law; and, how "positive" economic and social rights can and should be enforced in market economies and resource-challenged developing countries. We will have several human rights activists as guests.

There are no course prerequisites. This is not a course solely for human rights lawyers and advocates or even only for law students. In prior years, students from a variety of educational, professional and regional backgrounds have participated in the seminar, including experienced human rights advocates and lawyers, graduate students in international affairs and business, journalists and diplomats. This diversity of perspectives has facilitated lively and productive discussion. A paper is required and brief oral presentations on assigned topics also may be required.

School Year & Semester
Spring 2024
Location
JGH 602
Schedule
Class meets on
  • Wednesday
6:20 pm - 8:10 pm
Points
2
Method of Evaluation
Paper
J.D Writing Credit?
Minor (upon consultation)

Learning Outcomes

Primary
  • At the end of the course, students will have acquired understanding of and/or facility in strategic consideration and implementation of different advocacy tools and approaches to implement human rights goals.
  • At the end of the course, students will have acquired understanding of and/or facility in ethical and professional issues

Course Limitations

Instructor Pre-requisites
None
Instructor Co-Requisites
None
Requires Permission
No
Recommended Courses
None
Other Limitations
None