The Module aims to

- provide students with both substantive and procedural knowledge
- provide students with an understanding of the protection and promotion of human rights at an international level
- provide students with knowledge and understanding of some of the key contemporary challenges in international human rights law.

(LO1) Identify and critically evaluate various theoretical and conceptual ideas underpinning human rights

(LO2) Identify what is a human right and consider the content, scope and challenges regarding a number of substantive rights

(LO3) Identify potential violations of human rights and use legal reasoning to establish if an action or omission constitutes a violation

(LO4) Identify relevant obligation holders and critically evaluate the nature of their obligations

(LO5) Identify and critically evaluate key mechanisms for the protection and promotion of international human rights available to seek remedies for human rights violations

(LO6) Identify and critically analyse key contemporary challenges to international human rights law such as business and human rights; conflict; poverty and development

(LO7) Critically evaluate the role of international human rights within wider context of the international global system (international relations; global governance etc) and assess the effects of political and social structures on human rights enjoyment

(S1) Teamwork and Collaborative Learning

(S2) Problem-solving and Application of sources and knowledge to real-life scenarios

(S3) Critical thinking and Research skills

(S4) Oral and Written Communication skills

(S5) Independent learning and self-directed study (including exercise of initiative to tackle and solving problems, time management skills; personal responsibility for learning; research and IT skills)

(S6) Reflect upon the transferable skills necessary for employment such as, the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development

The module will cover a number of topics. The following list is indicative and allows for variation year upon year to accommodate staff changes and contemporary topical developments:

Part I Introduction - Foundations

• Introduction and The Idea of Human Rights: from Foundations to Critiques

• International Law and Human Rights: Sources and Obligations and Challenges (Treaty law; Customary International Law; Obligations of States and NSA)

Part II Substantive Rights and Mechanisms for their Protection

• Substantive Human Rights Provisions – Civil and Political Rights and the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966- Focus on one example e.g. Torture

• Substantive Human Rights Provisions – Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the UN International Covenant On Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 1966 - Focus on one example e.g. Right to Water

• Internati onal Mechanisms for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights

• Regional Mechanisms for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights

• Special human rights protection for vulnerable groups – Indigenous Peoples /Children/Minorities (can change each year)

Part III Contemporary Issues (can change depending on staff interest)

• Human Rights and Non-State Actors – Business and Human Rights

• Human Rights, Poverty and Development

• Human Rights Protection in times of Conflict

• Responses to Massive Human Rights Violations

• The End Times of Human Rights? (Law, Populism, Alternatives)

• Conclusion/ Evaluation

Lectures: There will be 12 x 2-hour lectures (or asynchronous equivalent where relevant) which will provide the student with an introduction to core relevant topics in the field. Each lecture will provide an overview of the issue as well as exploring key issues of particular controversy or complexity around such topics.
Seminars: There will be 6 x 2 hour seminars. These sessions will be used to reinforce key learning from the lectures and to develop knowledge and understanding and analysis of specific topical issues raised and key literature set. Teaching and learning will involve whole class discussions, group work, presentations, jigsaw reading and other self-directed research tasks. Skills will also be incorporated into seminar tasks, e.g. problem-solving; oral communication etc.
Private Study:
It is expected that students will spend an average of 120 hours of independent study on work connected with this module, to include research and writing of the assessment. Ou tside class contact hours, students will be engaged in directed reading and preparatory work for lectures, seminars and assessment including independent research tasks.
Equal opportunities and inclusivity:
Any necessary special arrangements for alternative formats or additional time for assessment (both formative and summative) to be considered as required by relevant professional support services staff and the course convenor.