This course aims to provide students with a critical understanding of international human rights law and practice. Topics to be covered include:
- historical development of international human rights law;
- international humanitarian law (the law of armed conflict) and its relationship with the international law of human rights;
- human rights ‘enforcement' mechanisms: the UN Human Rights Council, the human rights treaty bodies and human rights regional mechanisms;
- the rights of women and the rights of indigenous peoples;
- threats to rights, particularly counter-terrorism measures;
- application of international human rights law in Australia, including refugee issues; and
- the future development of rights, including collective rights and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBT) rights.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Outline, summarise and/or synthesise a coherent and advanced knowledge of the underlying principles and significant norms of the international law of human rights;
- Analyse critically these norms and the flawed mechanisms for their implementation;
- Analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge to identify and provide solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence;
- Advocate effectively the progressive development of the international law of human rights;
- Outline, summarise and/or synthesise a clear and coherent exposition of knowledge and ideas appropriately for a variety of audiences;
- Define, plan and conduct legal research on international human rights law with some independence.
Research-Led Teaching
The course will draw upon past and current research of the convenor.
Required Resources
Prescribed text: McBeth, Adam, Justine Nolan, & Simon Rice. The International Law of Human Rights, 2nd Ed. (Oxford University Press 2017). ISBN: 9780190304249 (paperback).
A Reading List (Syllabus) will be available on the Wattle site.
Recommended Resources
Optional text: De Schutter, Olivier. International Human Rights Law, 3rd Ed. (Cambridge University Press 2019). ISBN: 9781108463560 (paperback).
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- written comments
- verbal comments
- feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.
Other Information
Task submission times refer to Canberra time (AEST/AEDT).
Extensions late submission and penalties - https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/extensions-late-submission-and-penalties
Deferred examination: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/deferred-examinations
Special consideration: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/special-assessment-consideration
Penalties for excess word length: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/word-length-and-excess-word-penalties
Distribution of Grades Policy: https://law.anu.edu.au/current-students/policies-procedures/grading
Further Information about the Course: is available from the course WATTLE page. Students are required to access the WATTLE site regularly for announcements and update to this information.
Class Schedule
| Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | This is a semi-intensive course that will be delivered Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday, 1pm-4pm AEDT from 28 November to 16 December 2022. Introduction; Overview of the International Human Rights System; Review of International Law Fundamentals in International Human Rights; Review of International Relations Fundamentals in International Human Rights; General Issues; Promotion of Human Rights | METHODS OF TEACHING: Given the short and intensive nature of this course, the teaching method will be primarily lecturing, student participation through discussion, small group work and questions and answers. You will be expected to have read some of the basic materials before each session, and be willing to contribute your own perspective. |
| 2 | International Human Rights Instruments; United Nations Human Rights Bodies; Regional Human Rights; National Human Rights Institutions; Australia & International Human Rights; Extra-territorial Domestic Enforcement; Non-State Actors | |
| 3 | Human Rights & Armed Conflict; Human Rights & Refugees; Corporate Social Responsibility; Human Rights & Labour; Rule of Law; Human Rights & Children; Human Rights & Gender; Human Rights & Disabilities; Human Rights & Sexuality; Human Rights & Minorities; Human Rights & Indigenous Peoples; Human Rights & Culture-Environment; Human Rights & Development |
Assessment Summary
| Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short Assignment | 30 % | 04/12/2022 | 30/12/2023 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Research Paper | 70 % | 10/01/2023 | 02/02/2023 | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.
Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.
Participation
For all courses taught in any mode (whether face to face or online), the ANU College of Law considers participation in the classes offered to be an important part of the educational experience of the program. Students are expected to attend all classes.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Short Assignment
Details of Task: This assignment will be in the form of a short essay that tests your knowledge of several aspects of the course.
Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.
Weighting: 30%
Release: Friday 2 December 2022
Word Limit: No more than 1800 words (including footnotes). Footnotes should contain only references, not substantive content. A reference list showing all the references used in the assignment must be included at the end of the paper (the reference list is not included in the word count).
Due Date: 5pm, Sunday 4 December 2022 via Turnitin (on Wattle). Due to the nature of the task, late submission or extension is not permitted.
Estimated return date: 30 December 2022.
Font: Arial 12 point.
Format: Assessment must be submitted in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files are not acceptable.
Assessment criteria:
a) Understanding of the Issues
- addresses the question and covers all the important points
- evidence of consideration of the question and the research materials drawn on
- issues raised by the topic are clearly and concisely identified
- material chosen relates clearly to the topic and is analysed not just summarised or quoted extensively
b) Communication & Development of Argument
- clear theme or argument
- arguments logical and well-organised
- ideas/paragraphs linked coherently
c) Argument/Analysis
- originality of ideas and analysis of the material
- suggestions for change where appropriate
- consideration of opposing arguments
- well-reasoned conclusions
d) Research
- research covering core primary and secondary materials
- good organisation of sources and ability to synthesise all the research materials used
- use of theoretical material where appropriate
e) Presentation, style and referencing
- good use of structure, section headings and paragraphs
- clarity and conciseness of expression, interesting and engaging of reader
- use of appropriate terminology and correct grammar, syntax and spelling
- full and accurate footnotes
- style according to Australian Guide to Legal Citation
- adherence to word limit
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Research Paper
Details of Task: The research paper is designed to allow for a detailed and critical analysis of international human rights issues. Topics are to be self-selected.
Nature of Task: Compulsory and non-redeemable. Failure to submit this assessment will result in a mark of zero for this assessment task.
Weighting: 70%
Word Limit: No more than 4200 (including footnotes). Footnotes should contain only references, not substantive content. A full list of all references used, with citations, must be included at the end of the paper. This list is not included in the word count.
Due Date: 5pm, Tuesday 10 January 2023, via Turnitin (Wattle). Late submissions (without an extension) are permitted, but late penalties will apply.
Estimated return date: 2 February 2023.
Font: Arial 12 point.
Format: Assessment must be submitted in a word processing file format (.doc, .docx). PDF files are not acceptable.
Assessment criteria:
a) Understanding of the Issues
- addresses the topic you have selected and covers all the important points
- evidence of close consideration of the topic and the research materials drawn on
- issues raised by the topic are clearly and concisely identified
- material chosen relates clearly to the topic and is analysed not just summarised or quoted extensively
b) Communication & Development of Argument
- clear theme or argument
- arguments logical and well-organised
- ideas/paragraphs linked coherently
c) Argument/Analysis
- originality of ideas and critical analysis of the material
- complexity and insight in dealing with theory/ideas
- suggestions for change where appropriate
- interdisciplinary perspective where appropriate
- addressing opposing arguments
- well-reasoned conclusions
d) Research
- research covering primary and secondary materials
- good organisation of sources and ability to synthesise all the research materials used
- use of theoretical material where appropriate
- range of research sources
- integration of material from research resources into the essay
e) Presentation, style and referencing
- good use of structure, section headings and paragraphs
- clarity and conciseness of expression, interesting and engaging of reader
- use of appropriate terminology and correct grammar, syntax and spelling
- full and accurate footnotes together with a bibliography
- style according to Australian Guide to Legal Citation
- adherence to word limit
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.
The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.
The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.
Online Submission
You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.
Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.
Late Submission
Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:
- Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
- Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.
- Late submission is not accepted for tests or examinations.
- Late submission with an extension. To ensure equity for all students, the 5% penalty per working day for late submission of work does not apply if you have been granted an extension. Where an extension is granted, the revised due date and submission time will be provided in writing. Importantly, any revised due date is inclusive of weekends and public holidays. Regardless of which day of the week the revised due date falls on, students who submit after that date will be penalised by 5% of the possible marks available for the task per 24 hour period.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.
Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.
Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.
Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Dr Jonathan Liljeblad
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