Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

• Autumn Quarter 2008

Jason Mayerfeld
LSJ 490
Seattle Campus

Special Topics in Law, Societies, and Justice

Examination of socio-legal topics. Content varies.

Class description

This course looks at theoretical controversies regarding human rights. We will ask whether human rights are universal or culturally bounded, whether there is a human right to democracy, and what kinds of international institutions offer the best protection for human rights.

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

The tentative reading list includes selections from the following: William Talbott, WHICH RIGHTS SHOULD BE UNIVERSAL?; Costas Douzinas, THE END OF HUMAN RIGHTS; Hannah Arendt, “The Decline of the Nation-State and the End of the Rights of Man”; Amartya Sen, DEVELOPMENT AS FREEDOM; Allen Buchanan, JUSTICE, LEGITIMACY, AND SELF-DETERMINATION; Jeremy Rabkin, LAW WITHOUT NATIONS?; Thomas Pogge, WORLD POVERTY AND HUMAN RIGHTS; and Luis Cabrera, POLITICAL THEORY OF GLOBAL JUSTICE.

Recommended preparation

Previous coursework in political theory or human rights is strongly recommended.

Class assignments and grading

Two 7-10 page essays will be assigned. Regular contribution to class discussion is required.

First essay: 40% Second essay: 40% Participation: 20%

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Modified:September 24, 2008