This is an interdisciplinary course that draws equally from the fields of Human Rights Law and Political Science. Students will learn about the development, implementation, and practice of national and international human rights law in a variety of legal systems, while exploring the role that politics plays in shaping this branch of law.
In addition to covering the major human rights instruments, institutions, and debates, this course provides a systematic overview of the relevant political theory in this area, integrating recent data and events to respond to such questions as: Which rights does the individual have vis-à-vis the state? Which is more effective in securing accountability: national, regional, or international mechanisms?
