APG5092 - Human rights in global politics - 2017

The global human rights regime, the principles, norms, and rules designed to protect all individuals regardless of their place and position, is a contemporary creation. The unit will investigate the philosophical origins of both the concept of universal human rights as well as the efforts to enshrine and protect these rights through the 20th and 21st centuries. Focus will be on exploring the tension between this universalist principle and the role of states as both protectors and violators of human rights, the role of international organisations as well as legal mechanisms championing human rights, as well as critical voices who question the utility and purpose of the global human rights regime.

Upon successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. critically engage in key debates framing global politics and international relations;
2. work in and adapt to a variety of different cultural and professional environments;
3. display intricate knowledge of a variety of value and ethical systems, and conduct themselves professionally in all working environments;
4. be innovators in their chosen field;
5. apply the highest standard of analytical and critical skills;
6. design and manage large and focussed research projects;
7. communicate succinctly, directly, and highly effectively.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Mr Adam Berryman

International relations

International development practice

Political violence and counter-terrorism