This course introduces students to theories, cases, policies, and debates in human rights. It examines the evolution of human rights in their philosophical, historical, and political contexts, focusing particularly on the Post World War 2 era. Topics include but are not limited to: international and domestic human rights regimes, enforcement and compliance, universalism vs. cultural relativism, the role(s) of the judiciary, social movements, humanitarian intervention, and the rights of indigenous persons. This class consists of two hours of lecture and a one hour tutorial.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. understand the key events and policy debates in the development of the international human rights regime;
2. apply international relations theories and concepts to cases studies and issues of human rights;
3. understand how the international human rights regime works in world politics; and
4. think, write, and argue critically and logically about human rights issues from a political science perspective.

Required Resources

Course readings are available on Wattle.

Recommended Resources

A large number of journals and periodicals exist that include the cutting-edge developments of the discipline. Being familiar with these sources and surveying at least some of them regularly will assist you in this course.

American Journal of International Law

American Political Science Review

Genocide Studies and Prevention

Global Governance International

Journal of Transitional Justice

International Organization

Harvard Human Rights Journal

International Studies Quarterly

European Journal of International Relations

Journal of Conflict Resolution

Journal of Human Rights

Journal of Peace Research

Staff Feedback

Feedback from teaching staff to students will be available on an ad hoc basis by request, and promptly (no longer than two weeks) following the submission of assessments. All assessment feedback will be delivered via Wattle in the first instance. 

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). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

DEFERRED ASSESSMENTS

The course conveners are not in charge of assessing eligibility for, or organising, deferred exams. Per the ANU’s policy, a deferred exam will be granted for only an extenuating circumstance (such as “an unexpected illness,” “trauma,” or “being a victim of crime”). If you wish to apply for a deferred exam, please follow the procedure outlined here: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/ deferredexaminations.

The information provided is a preliminary Class Outline. A finalised version will be available on Wattle and will be accessible after enrolling in this course. All updates, changes and further information will be uploaded on the course Wattle site and will not be updated on Programs and Courses throughout the semester. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Course Convenor.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introducing Human Rights
2	The International System
3	Understanding Human Rights: Historical and Cultural Analysis
4	Mass Human Rights Abuses: Genocide, War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
5	Humanitarian Intervention and the Responsibility to Protect
6	Transitional Justice and Truth Commissions
7	Human Rights Abuses in Australia
8	Colonialism, Post-Colonialism and Human Rights
9	Race and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
10	Meet the Practitioners

Tutorial Registration

Tutorials registration via the Wattle page.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Quiz	15 %	30/07/2023	1,2,3,4
Research Presentation	35 %	06/08/2023	1,2,3,4
Research Essay	40 %	20/08/2023	1,2,3,4
Tutorial Participation	10 %	*	1,2,3,4

* 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 Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

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 Skills website. 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

Assessment Task 1

Quiz

The quiz will comprise multiple choice questions covering all content (readings, lectures, and films) from the first two weeks of the course.

Assessment Task 2

Research Presentation

A 10 minute presentation on your research essay topic. To be recorded and uploaded. Detailed information on uploading your presentation will be given before the submission date.

Assessment Task 3

Research Essay

A 2500 word essay on a human rights topic of your choice. In it, you will write about human rights by making a theoretically-informed argument and supporting it with evidence. 

Assessment Task 4

Tutorial Participation

Tutorial participation marks will be based upon evidence of having done the assigned readings, evidence of having thought about the issues, contribution and participation in class and consideration and respect for other class members.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

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

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 take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

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 Access 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