Human Rights

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Total of 170 hours

Admission to the Master of International Relations

Politics and International Studies at the Undergraduate Level

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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.

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.

A 2000 word case study analysis (40%) due during the semester, and a 3000 word research essay (60%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% 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.

All readings will be available on the subject’s LMS site.

None

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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.