This minor addresses the human rights discipline in both theory and practice, and provides students with a robust understanding of political, legal, historical and philosophical origins and contemporary realities of the human rights field. It will equip students with an understanding of key issues in the discipline, such as:
• The political, philosophical and historical development of ideas concerning human rights
• The emergence and role of human rights in international relations
• The interplay between human rights theory, law and practice
• Key contemporary theoretical debates on human rights
• The relationship between human rights and concepts such as social justice and equity
• The application of human rights theory in practice, such as:
o Issues around the implementation and enforcement of human rights standards
o Questions on the best mechanisms for dealing with human rights violations
o Human rights advocacy and social movements in the international system
• Contemporary case studies and issues
Learning Outcomes
Upon successfulcompletion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- identify, discuss and analyse the key moments, issues and debates in the emergence of the contested concept of ‘human rights’;
- identify and appraise the differing applications of human rights in theory, law and practice;
- explain and assess the major contemporary theoretical debates within the human rights discourse; and
- recognize and assess the intersection between theories of human rights and the application of human rights standards in practice.
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
This minor requires the completion of 24 units, which must include:
6 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL1004 | Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction | 6 |
| POLS1005 | Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts | 6 |
| POLS1006 | Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues | 6 |
18 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HIST2238 | Human Rights in History | 6 |
| POLS2113 | Human Rights | 6 |
| POLS3035 | The Politics of International Law | 6 |