International Human Rights

Description: This course examines the idea of human rights, its historical, philosophical, and legal origins. It explores the notion of universal rights and examines the relativity debate. It will introduce students to rights that are guaranteed and selective substantive rights will be examined - civil and political rights; economic, social, and cultural rights, and other classes of rights. Other considerations include national, regional, and international institutions created to supervise implementation of and compliance with those rights. It will also consider COVID-19 and human rights; the role of corporations and other non-State actors, including non-governmental organizations and activists who seek to enforce human rights. 

Credit/Evaluation: Evaluation will take account of regular attendance, evidence of critical reading, engagement in class discussion, the quality of short reactions, and two assignments. There will be no course credit for anyone who misses three (3) classes in the quarter. 

Text: Textbook on International Human Rights, by Smith, Rhona K. M.