This module explores issues of human rights in international relations in both theory and practice. It will commence by examining the historical, philosophical and political development of ideas concerning human rights. It then charts the major moments that led to the emergence of the modern human rights regime - epitomised in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The module will explore some of the major theoretical debates that underpin the role of human rights in international relations. This includes: the emergence of ideas concerning ‘rights’ and the specific development of the concept of ‘human rights’ discussions on Universalism and Relativism; issues around the implementation and enforcement of human rights standards; and questions on the best mechanisms for dealing with human rights violations (such as the Truth Commissions vs Justice debate.) The course then focuses on applying human rights theory to a range of contemporary human rights issues such as: human rights advocacy and application in the international system; human rights during conflict; the human rights of refugees; indigenous and minority rights; protecting the rights of women, children and sexual minorities; the question of the rights of future generations (particularly in terms of environmental responsibilities); and the broader future of human rights within international relations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
By the end of the course, as a result of class discussions and the completion of coursework assessments, students passing the module should be able to demonstrate:
- That they understand the key moments, issues and debates around the emergence of ideas concerning ‘rights’ and the specific development of the contested concept of ‘human rights’ (within both Western and non-Western contexts).
- That they identify the key moments and international instruments in the establishment of the modern human rights regime.
- That they understand the major theoretical debates within the human rights discourse.
- That they can discuss the intersection between theories of human rights and the application of human rights standards.
Indicative Assessment
Research Essay (40%) (2000 words)
Exam (40%) (3 essay question responses)
Tutorial Participation (10%)
In-Class Exercise (10%)
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Workload
The workload will be a 3 hour lecture/documentary forum and a 1 hour tutorial once a week. There is an expectation of approximately 6 hours per week of independent study.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Sally Engle Merry, Human Rights and Gender Violence: Translating International Law into Local Justice (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2006).
Majors
Minors
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $2604 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $3576 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3297 | 20 Jul 2015 | 07 Aug 2015 | 31 Aug 2015 | 30 Oct 2015 | In Person | N/A |
