Human Rights In Global Perspective POLITIC4008

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Social and Political Sciences
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

This course will investigate the features of contemporary international human rights regimes and explore the political and practical issues that accompany the implementation of human rights norms. It will focus on the international and domestic politics of human rights, considering in particular newer human rights in the Global South.

Timetable

This course may not be running this year. For further information please check the Politics and IR Moodle page or contact the subject directly.

Requirements of Entry

Standard entry requirements to Honours Politics or International Relations.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Essay, 3000 words (70%)

Group project on new(er) human rights, written summary and 10-15 minute presentation (30%)

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? Not applicable for Honours courses

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Course Aims

The aims of this course are to: 1) examine the main theoretical bases for human rights norms; 2) assess the the political and practical implications of human rights implementation and compliance in different international and domestic contexts; 3) appreciate the complexities, dilemmas and potential contention around human rights implementation, particular of newer rights; 4) understand the role of various states and non-state actors involved in these processes; and 5) explore the main contemporary challenges of human rights regimes today.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Demonstrate a thorough understanding of human rights frameworks and challenges linked to their implementation in specific contexts

■ Analyse the central issues and problems in modern international human rights debates from the perspective of politics and practice

■ Assess the role of a wide variety of actors in human rights - including individuals, states, and international organisations

■ Develop independent learning strategies and effective teamwork, research, and communication skills, showing the ability to assimilate multiple views and promote critical thinking towards the production of a common output

■ Advance reasoned and factually supported arguments both orally and in writing

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.