LAW5371 - Protecting the rights of minorities, marginalised and vulnerable people - 2017

This unit explores a range of controversial contemporary issues in relation to the rights of minority groups in order to enhance student's understanding of the way in which international law protects and promotes the human rights of vulnerable people. It will analyse the normative standards designed to ensure respect for the rights of religious, linguistic and sexual minorities as well as persons with disabilities. Students will critique the work on the UN in this field and consider whether reforms are necessary to better protect the rights of these four minority groups.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

• Apply knowledge and understanding of international human rights law in relation to linguistic, religious and sexual minorities and persons with disabilities with creativity and initiative to new situations for further learning.
• Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in relation to international, regional and local approaches to minority rights.
• Critically evaluate the effectiveness of international human rights law in protecting and promoting the rights of linguistic, religious and sexual minorities and persons with disabilities.
• Conduct research in relation to linguistic, religious and sexual minorities and persons with disabilities based on knowledge of appropriate research principle and methods.
• Use cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate at an abstract level complex ideas and concepts relevant to linguistic, religious and sexual minorities and persons with disabilities.

Research assignment (6,000 words): 80%

Research poster: 10%

Class participation: 10%

24 contact hours per semester (either intensive, semi-intensive or semester long, depending on the Faculty resources, timetabling and requirements)