This module explores issues of human rights in international relations in both theory and practice. It will commence by examining the historical, philosophical and political development of ideas concerning human rights. It then charts the major moments that led to the emergence of the modern human rights regime - epitomised in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The module will explore some of the major theoretical debates that underpin the role of human rights in international relations. This includes: the emergence of ideas concerning ‘rights’ and the specific development of the concept of ‘human rights’ discussions on Universalism and Relativism; issues around the implementation and enforcement of human rights standards; and questions on the best mechanisms for dealing with human rights violations (such as the Truth Commissions vs Justice debate.) The course then focuses on applying human rights theory to a range of contemporary human rights issues such as: human rights advocacy and application in the international system; human rights during conflict; the human rights of refugees; indigenous and minority rights; protecting the rights of women, children and sexual minorities; the question of the rights of future generations (particularly in terms of environmental responsibilities); and the broader future of human rights within international relations.

By the end of the course, as a result of class discussions and the completion of coursework assessments, students passing the module should be able to demonstrate:

• That they understand the key moments, issues and debates around the emergence of ideas concerning ‘rights’ and the specific development of the contested concept of ‘human rights’ (within both Western and non-Western contexts).
• That they identify the key moments and international instruments in the establishment of the modern human rights regime.
• That they understand the major theoretical debates within the human rights discourse.
• That they can discuss the intersection between theories of human rights and the application of human rights standards.

Research Essay (40%) (2000 words)

Exam (40%) (3 essay question responses)

Tutorial Participation (10%)

In-Class Exercise (10%)

The workload will be a 3 hour lecture/documentary forum and a 1 hour tutorial once a week. There is an expectation of approximately 6 hours per week of independent study.

Prerequisite: 12 units of 1000 level Politics and International Relations or with permission of the lecturer

Students are required to have an introductory knowledge of international relations.

Preliminary Reading

Hayden, Patrick (ed), The Philosophy of Human Rights (Paragon House Publishers, 2001)

Freeman, Michael, Human Rights: An Interdisciplinary Approach (Cambridge: Polity, 2002)

A reading brick will be a available.