LAW4667 - Human dignity in comparative perspective - 2019

The unit will begin with a philosophical overview of the concept of human dignity and then enter into a historical examination of why human dignity has emerged as an important constitutional principle in international law and some jurisdictions. International and national experiences with human dignity as a constitutional and/or human rights principle will be critically examined. Particular attention will be paid to the role of human dignity in the so-called Arab Spring and its aftermath.

At the successful completion of this Unit, students will be able to:

• Identify and critically analyse various theories and approaches to human dignity;
• Identify and critically analyse the ways in which human dignity is codified and adopted in legal decision-making in select jurisdictions;
• Communicate effectively and persuasively, including in articulating the relationship between human dignity as a legal concept and social, political and economic forces that impact upon the ways in which human dignity is understood and adopted in a given jurisdiction;
• Provide and make use of feedback to assess their own capabilities and performance and to support personal and professional development.

1. Class participation (20%) A full explanation of how class participation will be assessed will be provided in the unit guide
2. Reflective essay (1500 words) (20%)
3. Research paper (4500 words) (60%)

Students are required to attend 36 hours of lectures over the duration of this semi-intensive unit.

The unit timetable link below is not applicable to this unit.

See also Unit timetable information