Human Rights (POLS90038)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery |
|---|---|
| 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; 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, including the role of international courts and tribunals; and the challenge of human rights promotion and enforcement, especially in politically and practically difficult contexts.
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: 10 November 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into the MC-IR 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: 10 November 2023
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
A case study analysis
| During the teaching period | 40% |
A research essay
| During the examination period | 60% |
| 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. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Carla Winston Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours A 2-hour seminar per week for 12 weeks. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2023 to 22 October 2023 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2023 Census date 31 August 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2023 Assessment period ends 17 November 2023 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
Total of 170 hours
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
- 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: 10 November 2023