Time Schedule:
Camille L Walsh
BIS 414
Bothell Campus
Explores a critical issue of human rights theory and practice and its intersection with the other fields of thought and disciplines. Topics may include such issues as the rights of children, workers, or women; or the relationship of human rights to democracy, globalization, and the arts.
Class description
Are human rights a moral framework, a political theory or a robust and enforceable system of law? This class will examine how groups including indigenous peoples, corporations, children, laborers, women, religious minorities, and many others claim and demand recognition for their individual and collective rights in the national and international legal process. We will delve into several case studies in order to ask how human rights are demanded by different groups, how they are translated from theory to practice and how states and courts recognize rights, regulate populations, protect institutions and enforce or negate human rights.
Student learning goals
Understanding of key debates in human rights, particularly related to human rights law
Understanding of current legal issues in human rights, best practices models, and enforcement strategies
Skills in analyzing and discussing human rights, international law and corporations
Writing skills in formulating a research plan and topic in human rights law
Hands-on experience applying analytic ideas to specific human rights case studies and facilitating class discussion
Understanding of legal research methods and how to apply them
General method of instruction
We will spend time in class on seminar-based discussion and debate, including student-led facilitations, along with the presentation of legal research tools and several in-depth case studies and examples, allowing students to ultimately produce an independent research paper by the end of the quarter.
Recommended preparation
No prerequisites necessary.
Class assignments and grading
In-class activities and participation in discussion, debate, and short assignments, ultimately leading to a research paper at the end of the quarter.
Grades will be assessed on the basis of a variety of contributions, including preparation and participation, student-led discussion and debate, paper planning exercises and short assignments, and the final research paper.
