This course introduces students to the theoretical frameworks, empirical cases, policy instruments, and debates in the field of human rights. The course is structured in four parts. First, we will examine the evolution of human rights in its philosophical, historical, and political contexts. We will address key questions such as: What are human rights? Are they universally applicable? How and why have international human rights standards come into being? How do they change over time? Second, we will examine various mechanisms and actors for the promotion and protection of human rights at the global, regional, and national levels. What are the United Nations and regional mechanisms for human rights protection? What explains the evolution of the UN human rights activities? How are international human rights enforced? What is the role of nongovernmental organisations and activists in the field of human rights? What are their dilemmas? Third, we will examine the trajectory and effectiveness of humanitarian intervention. Under what conditions is humanitarian intervention justified and necessary? How has its international legitimacy changed over time? What explains the achievements and limitations of humanitarian intervention in the post-Cold War period? Fourth, we will examine various forms of transitional justice. How should new democracies cope with past human rights abuses? What explains variations in the forms and impacts of transitional justice across time and space? In addressing these and other questions, we will explore several country cases around the globe.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand the key events and policy debates in the development of the international human rights regime.
- Apply international relations theories and concepts to cases studies and issues of human rights.
- Understand how the international human rights regime works in world politics.
- Think, write, and argue critically and logically about human rights issues from a political science perspective.
Indicative Assessment
Tutorial participation (10%): learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4Research essay, 3500 words (40%): learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
Final examination, 2 hours (in formal examination period) (50%): learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
One 2 hour lecture, one 1hour documentary (film) screening, and one 1 hour tutorial per week for 13 weeks. Students are expected to commit a further 6 hours per week of independent study (total 130 hours).
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
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 |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3054 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4368 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8876 | 18 Jul 2016 | 29 Jul 2016 | 31 Aug 2016 | 28 Oct 2016 | In Person | N/A |