DWA 225 Introduction to Human Rights

This course offers students an interdisciplinary introduction to the historical and philosophical foundations of human rights, the creation of the international human rights regime in the mid-20th century, the impact of social movements on the evolution of international human rights laws and norms, and the impediments to the realization of human rights in practice. Through exploring thematic concerns such as women's rights, LGBT rights, torture, capital punishment, international responses to genocide, and corporate responsibility, we will engage contemporary debates surrounding the universality of human rights, the relationship between human rights and inter/national security, the duty-holders of human rights law, and the gap between human rights ideals and enforcement.