The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the protection of human rights in international law. The module will focus in particular on the challenges facing the international legal system in securing respect for and effective implementation of normative human rights standards. Thus the module will explore why securing effective protection of human rights through the international legal system is so difficult. The various international mechanisms for the protection of human rights will be considered, with a particular emphasis on the political, social, cultural and economic constraints operating upon those systems. The various ideological, legal and structural difficulties identified will be further explored through the examination of particular human rights problems facing the contemporary world.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Explain key aspects of the international law of human rights including human rights theory, cultural relativism, the different nature of human rights, the methods of implementing and enforcing human rights and the challenges raised by contemporary human rights problems.
Critically evaluate the ways in which human rights standards can be met by international law and the mechanisms covered in this module.
Summarise and comment upon the current academic and policy debates on the matters covered in the module.
Evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of the different mechanisms designed to achieve accountability.
Apply the knowledge acquired in the module to new situations and recognise the potential for alternative conclusions.
Engage in independent research on a topic within the field of international human rights law.
Bring together and present coherently materials from primary and secondary sources which deal with the issues addressed in the module.
Make personal and reasoned judgements about the material covered in the module.
Participate appropriately in academic debate on matters covered in the module, presenting specialist material in a manner, both written and oral, which is appropriate to the audience.
Interact with the other members of a learning group, giving and receiving information and ideas and modifying responses where appropriate.
Assess progress during the semester, identify issues on which assistance is needed and act on feedback given.
