International Human Rights

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