Human Rights I

Course Code: MR101E

Institution:

Department of Global Political Studies

Revision:

5.2

For students admitted fall 2010  

Other set versions

Approval

The course was established 29 May 2001.
This course syllabus (version 5.2) was approved 15 March 2010 by the Board of Studies at Faculty of Culture and Society.
The syllabus is valid from 01 September 2010. Replacement for course syllabus ratified 24 February 2010.

Education level

First cycle

Course description

The aim of the course is that the students will acquire basic knowledge and skills in the subject area of human rights from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Advancement in relation to the degree requirements

The course can normally be included as a part of a general degree at undergradate level.

Entry requirements

The special prerequisite for this course, besides basic eligibility for university studies, is fieldeligibility 6: Civics A and English B. Applicants are exempted from the Civics A requirement.

Learning outcomes

The course consists of four modules:

1. Law and human rights

After completing the module, the student should be able to:
- describe the content and function of basic UN-treaties in human rights and account for the relationship between international and national law,
- identify relevant legal texts in the human rights area and tie it in a logical and coherent manner to individual cases, and
- identify, give examples of and assess potential conflicts and dilemmas in international treaties on human rights.

2. Politics and human rights

After completing the module, the student should be able to:
- analyse the role of the state in the realization of human rights and the relation between human rights and democracy, states’ capacity and the development of state sovereignty, as well as human rights as principles within the international community. and
- analyse political dimensions of human rights, such as reasons for failures in fulfilment and for violations of rights, and institutions that are important for rights fulfilment.

3. Philosophy, religion and human rights

After completing the module, the student should be able to:
- describe the historical background of the human rights perspective and its relation to the value systems of the world religions, and
- give a logical and coherent account of fundamental philosophical concepts within the rights perspective and apply this conceptual apparatus in analysis of a case.

4. Project work

After completing the course, the student should be able to:
- critically reflect, in dialogue with others, on human rights in a legal, political, and philosophical perspective and on their role in contemporary society;
- use relevant theories and source material in an analysis of the human rights situation in a particular country and communicate this in a report intended to be read by an external agent on the human rights field;
- as part of a group, present this analysis and other findings in a logical and coherent manner, orally and in writing, and
- evaluate questions within the field of human rights from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Assessments

Students’ performance in Modules 1-3 is appraised by means of formal examinations and home assignments. The fourth module is assessed by means of a written land analysis. The examinations test knowledge and understanding of the Human Rights issues covered in the modules as well as the student’s ability, within agreed timetables and in line with other examination requirements, to critically analyse, evaluate and resolve Human Rights questions. In addition, the student’s ability to analyse and reflect upon the support for human rights in contemporary society is evaluated.

Retake:

Students who do not pass the regular course exams have the minimum of two retakes. Retakes follow the same form as the original exams, apart from retakes of group work, which take the form of individual written and oral assignments.

Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG) and ECTS is used: A, B, C, D, E, F (X) or F (E = 1 D = 2 C = 3 B = 4 A = 5). The course grade (full 30 credits) is the average ECTS grade given for the individual models, adjusted for number of credits per module. To get the course graded, all modules must have been completed.

Course content

The course contains the following modules:

- Law and human rights (7,5 credits)
The first module comprises studies both of the basic regulation of international laws on human rights and of control measures to safeguard human rights.

- Politics and human rights (7,5 credits)

The second module comprises studies of human rights in relation to the concept of state, and with regard to political power and democratic processes.

- Philosophy, religion and human rights (7,5 credits)

The third module comprises studies of philosophical and ethical theories and discussions regarding human rights.

- Project Work (7,5 credits)

The fourth module consists of writing a land analysis from a multidisciplinary perspective on human rights.

Learning activities

Teaching in Modules 1-3 is principally in the form of lectures and seminars. During the fourth module, separate project meetings are held, wherein students receive individual supervision of their project work. A major part of the work consists of independent studies. Students are responsible for reading along with instruction and are prepared for each session during the course. Students are presumed to pursue their own reading and discussion groups.

In the fourth module is held mandatory project meetings where students receive tutoring, in addition to the working groups meet regularly on the students' own initiative. The group is responsible collectively to all group members participate and contribute to the project.

Grading system

Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). ECTS grading system can be used on students demand.

Reading list and other media

Module 1: Law and Human rights

• Clapham, Andrew (2007) Human Rights. A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford UP)
• Dixon, Martin (2007), Textbook on International Law (Oxford: Oxford UP)
• Documents in Public International Law (2nd ed 2008), Maja Eriksson et al (Stockholm: Norstedts Juridik) Alternative: Brownlie, Ian (ed) Basic Documents on Human Rights (Oxford: Oxford UP 2002)
• Fasulo, Linda (2004) An Insider’s Guide to the UN (Yale: Yale University Press)
• Smith, Rhona (latest ed), Textbook on International Human Rights (Oxford: Oxford UP)

There may be additional articles of 100 pages max – see lecture presentations.

Module 2: Politics and Human rights

• Beeson, Mark and Bisley, Nick (2010) Issues in 21st Century Politics, Palgrave Macmillian
• Dahl, Robert (1989) Democracy and Its Critics (New Haven: Yale UP)
• Landman, Todd (2004) “Measuring Human Rights” Human Rights Quarterly, vol 26: 906-931, available online through the library’s webpage.
• Rotbeg, Robert (2003) State Failure and State Weakness in a Time of Terror (Washington: Brookings Institution Press)
• Stein, Eric (2001) ”International Integration and Democracy: No Love at First Sight” American Journal of International Law, vol 95, no 3: 489-534. Available through the library’s “search articles” (J-Stor database).
• There may be additional articles of 100 pages max – see lecture presentations.

Module 3: Philosophy, Religion and Human rights

• Hayden, Patrick (2001) The Philosophy of Human Rights (St. Paul: Paragon House) (appr 100 pages, reading instructions will be given by teachers)
• Martin, Nancy et al (2003) Human Rights and Responsibilities in the World Religions (Oneworld Publications) (appr 250 pages, reading instructions will be given by teachers)
• Miller, David (2003) Political Philosophy. A Very Short Introduction (Oxford: Oxford University Press)
• Orend, Brian (2002) Human Rights. Concept and Context. Peterborough (Ont: Broadview Press) Alternative: James W. Nickel (2007) Making Sense of Human Rights. (Oxford: Blackwell, 2nd ed)
• There may be additional articles of 100 pages max – see lecture presentations.

Module 4: Project work

• Relevant literature will be selected in consultation with supervisor and will be listed in the bibliography of the project work.

Course evaluation

All students are offered an opportunity to give written feedback at the end of the course. A summary of the results will be made available. The students are also given a possibility to offer feedback through the course council.

Student participation takes place through the course council.