Time Schedule:
Bruce E. Kochis
BIS 468
Bothell Campus
Examines social aspects of a human right to sustainable development including education, democratic participation, the rule of law, human capabilities and functioning, nationality, religion, and a right to a safe environment.
Class description
The course explores the non-economic dimensions of social development and will examine the philosophic assumptions, the policy options, and the implementation of specific development schemes in the light of a human rights framework and regime.
Student learning goals
Using critical thinking and reading skills, students will know the basic philosophical foundations of social and human development
By engaging the latest scholarship from multiple disciplines, students will be able to craft an interdisciplinary human rights research project.
Through frequent short writing assignments and a longer final project students will know how to write in one or more of the basic genres of development work--the policy memo, grant proposal, the program evaluation, the amicus brief, etc.
By working in small groups students will learn the skills of collaboration and leadership in development policy.
Students will know the basics of international human rights law, its foundations, and current status.
Students will in particular study the status and role of women in developing countries and projects designed to improve their conditions.
General method of instruction
Lecture/discussion, seminars--with emphasis on the discussion.
Recommended preparation
It is most helpful if students have had a basic introduction to human rights, either through a dedicated course or in a course on international relations, global studies, or global public policy.
Class assignments and grading
There will be weekly reading and short writing assignments and a larger final project at the end of the quarter. Students will have options for their final project. This course will require moderate amounts of reading for a 400-level course (60-100 pages/week) and moderate amounts of writing (2-3 pages/week) with an emphasis on quality reading and writing.
Grades are assigned through a combination of participation, weekly assignments, and the final project. The final project typically accounts for 40-50% of the grade.
