Rethinking Rights and Global Development

This subject is not offered in 2011.

This subject explores the theoretical and political issues surrounding ideas of rights and human rights, with special reference to the development process within the contemporary globalising order. It draws on recent critical feminist and other (re)theorising within a range of disciplines, including anthropology and sociology, political science, international relations, geography, legal studies, history and development studies. The subject examines definitions of rights and the re-framing of such ideas within critical theory. the background to the development of the international human rights regime. the moral basis of and possibility of global civil society and global citizenship. histories of rights discourses, especially the so-called four generations of rights. the state, citizenship and rights in the developing world. "rights", universalism, cosmopolitanism and "culture", with particular reference to "Asian Values". participation and rights-based development theory and practice, especially in relation to poverty alleviation, economic and land rights. indigenous people's rights. labour, unfree labour and rights. war, displacement, the new migrations and refugees' rights. women's rights. sexuality rights. children's rights. disability rights. and NGOs, social movements and rights.

Students who successfully complete this subject will

• have an understanding of the main historical developments in thinking about issues of rights and human rights in the development process.
• be able to understand the main theoretical approaches to the analysis of "rights" and "claims to rights" in the developing world.
• be able to understand the principal contemporary debates around rights and human rights.
• be able to appreciate the significance of gender, "race", ethnicity, class and colonialism in analysing issues of rights.

A research essay of 3000 words 60% (due mid semester), a reflective essay of 2000 words 40% (due at the end of semester).

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment for this subject. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available at the bookshop at the start of semester.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject will

• show an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area.
• be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline.
• have an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research.