GOVT196 CM - International Human Rights

This course introduces human rights as a dominant field in international law and international relations. It examines historical origins of the concept, international legal underpinnings, and dynamics that have driven its expansion and limited its success. The course focuses on international actors operating under the United Nations including the Security Council, Human Rights Council, and bodies monitoring treaty obligations. It also covers regional human rights systems, including Europe, Latin America, and Africa. Specific topics include: torture, racism, disappearances, genocide, LGBT rights, hate speech, women’s rights, and economic, social and cultural rights. Broader themes involve the tensions between the universality of human rights and cultural relativism, state sovereignty, terrorism, armed conflicts, and whether human rights law has made a positive contribution to the actual realization of human rights.

Prerequisites: GOVT 020 CM and GOVT 178 CM, or permission of instructor

Offered: Occasionally

Credit: 1

Course Number: GOVT196 CM