Human Rights (POLS90038)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject examines the theory and practice of international human rights. It explores the historical origin of the idea of human rights culminating in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and critically examines the development of human rights regimes and practice at the international and regional levels. Key issues examined include the philosophical and political debates about the foundations and practice of human rights, including whether human rights have outgrown their western origins; the relationship between international human rights law and international and domestic politics; human rights advocacy and the role of NGOs; international responses to human rights abuses; and the challenge of human rights enforcement, including the role of international courts and tribunals. These issues will be explored through a range of case studies, such as the rights of refugees, protection against people trafficking, protection against torture, gender discrimination and the rights of ethnic minorities.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Develop a critical understanding of the historical evolution of international human rights;
- Develop a critical understanding of the key issues, challenges, actors, and institutions associated with human rights advocacy and protection, standard setting and enforcement;
- Develop a critical understanding of the key philosophical and political debates on human rights;
- Develop a sound knowledge of the human rights practice across a range of different issue areas;
- Develop a critical understanding of the possibilities and limits of international human rights.
Generic skills
On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
- Apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;
- Develop persuasive arguments on a given topic;
- Communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively;
- Develop cross-cultural understanding.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission to the Master of International Relations
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Politics and International Studies at the Undergraduate Level
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- A 2000 word case study analysis (40%) due during the semester
- A 3000 word research essay (60%) due during the examination period.
- Hurdle requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject and regular class participation is expected.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Carla Winston Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 contact hours: A 2-hour seminar per week for 12 weeks. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 29 July 2019 to 27 October 2019 Last self-enrol date 9 August 2019 Census date 31 August 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 27 September 2019 Assessment period ends 22 November 2019 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
Total of 170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation 100 Point Master of Arts (Professional and Applied Ethics) Informal specialisation 200 points Master of Arts (Professional and Applied Ethics) - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 3 November 2022