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  3. Human Rights in East and Southeast Asia

Human Rights in East and Southeast Asia (CHIN20025)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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This subject examines human rights issues in East and Southeast Asia, with some focus on the case of China. The impact of (pre-modern) Confucianism, Buddhism, Islam and other traditions will be assessed on the shaping of human rights discourse in various Asian contexts. An important conceptual issue is the perceived contingent nature of human rights in non-Western locations. Students will be encouraged to investigate case studies drawn from pro-democracy movements, activism against political repression, religious and ethnic discrimination, advocacy for social and civil rights, and resistance to patriarchal systems. The diverse ideas put forward by East and Southeast Asian human rights thinkers will be evaluated as part of an ongoing debate about the dynamic and contested nature of human rights discourse in the modern world.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

gain an appreciation of major human-rights related issues facing East and Southeast Asian populations in the contemporary era;
acquire insight into cross-cultural interpretations of human rights in East-West comparative contexts;
acquire the ability to adopt critical frameworks in the interpretation of human rights in non-Western frameworks;
develop oral and written communication skills by participant in tutorial discussion and the completion of essays and class papers;
develop time management and organisational skills with regard to the timely completion of assessment items;
enhanced ability to work collaboratively in groups and use initiative in developing research frameworks.

Last updated: 19 September 2024