The purpose of the course is to introduce key theories of human rights and their historical development and to analyse how human rights are addressed in practice. The course draws on a range of critical perspectives of human rights as well as regional case study examples. 

Seminar: two hours per week, for 10 weeks

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One group project (6,000-7,000) words, to be submitted in November) (25%)

One 3000-3,500 word research essay on topic agreed with course lecturer to be submitted in January (75%)

The aim of the course is to offer a challenging forum in which fundamental aspects of human rights can be investigated and analysed critically. In particular, the course aims to:

■ Explore in-depth some of the core theoretical underpinnings of human rights and their historical development;

■ Develop powers of critical analysis and the adoption of a more critical and reflective approach to conceptual and practical questions relating to human rights;

■ Provide experience of working in groups and foster group discussion;

■ Encourage independent reading skills

■ Develop research skills

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Have a critical understanding of fundamental concepts of human rights;

■ Be able to identify and critically assess the implications of those concepts in the substantive exposition of human rights;

■ Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of particular contemporary substantive international human rights instruments and their application in different political contexts;

■ Apply the knowledge obtained to a range of practical problems;

■ Engage in reflective learning.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.