Human rights occupy an important place in contemporary discussions about law, justice and politics at both the domestic and the international level. From different areas of government and bodies of law to diverse social movements, human rights are frequently invoked and debated. You will explore the role of human rights in the contemporary world from an international perspective, building a comprehensive and critical understanding of the limits and possibilities of framing problems and tensions within the language of human rights. You will examine the historical emergence of human rights before turning to their appearance in legal frameworks such as international treaties and institutionalisation at sites such as the United Nations. You will consider several substantive areas in which human rights are asserted, ranging from civil and political to economic, social and cultural rights.
Lectures and Seminars -16 hours
Workshops - 8 hours
Written- Short Writing Piece -Reflection Paper (1,000 words). Worth 20% of the total marks for the module20%
Written- Extended Writing -Research Essay (3,000 words). Worth 80% of the total marks for the module. This Assessment is Pass Compulsory
Reassessment methods -Like-for-like
For current reading list see the detailed module information on moodle.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1) Systematically identify and explain in depth the main concepts, principles, doctrines and procedures of international human rights law;
2) Critically analyse the practice and theory of international human rights law;
3) Critically appraise perspectives on, and theories of international human rights law;
4) Exercise personal responsibility in carrying out independent research in the specific area of international human rights law and analyse issues from a range of theoretical approaches;
5) Critically appraise the application and functioning of international human rights law in different contexts while taking account of implications of diverse cultural values.
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