1. Compare and assess the various theories proposed as the basis for the protection of human rights Knowledge and understanding, learning

2. Assess the structure, major institutions and jurisprudence of the international human rights system Knowledge and understanding, learning

3. Communicate and apply clearly and concisely principles of international human rights law
Communication, enquiry, analysis

4. Engage with contemporary debates on the nature of human rights
Analysis, application, communication

5. Explain the relevant legal principles set out in
Knowledge and understanding, learning

6. Conduct independent research and use the results of that research effectively
Enquiry, reflection

Essay question (Weighted at 50%) assessing learning outcomes 1, 4, 5 and 6. (2500-3000 words)

Examination (weighted at 50%) assessing learning outcomes 1-4 Final

The aim of this module is to have students consider the legal, philosophical and sociological underpinnings of human rights; students will be encouraged to think critically about the views they hold and the values reflected in the UK and international legal systems. The course will focus on the United Nations and its role in formulating, interpreting and monitoring human rights. A further major component of the course will be the protection of human rights in the UK where students would consider the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 in producing a regime of domestically enforceable human rights. This module would also engage students with the debate concerning universality and cultural relativity.

In the first component of this module, the following topics will be covered:

1. Introduction to International Human Rights Law
2. The Sources of International Human Rights Law
3. Nature of Human Rights Obligations
4. Various Substantive Rights
5. The UN Human Rights Protection System
6. Challenges to Human Rights Protection
7. The Debate on the Universality of Human Rights

In the second component of this module, the following topics will be covered:

1. Section 2, Human Rights Act 1998
2. Sections 3 and 4, Human Rights Act 1998
3. Section 6, Human Rights Act 1998
4. Article 2 (right to life), European Convention on Human Rights
5. Article 3 (freedom from torture), European Convention on Human Rights
6. Articles 5 (personal liberty) and 6 (right to a fair trial), European Convention on Human Rights
7. Articles 8 (right to privacy) and 10 (freedom of expression), European Convention on Human Rights

The main mode for delivery is blended learning. The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 300 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 36 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 264 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks.

Contact will include a mixture of small and larger group activities. Learning will be organised into a series of sessions where students will be required to participate. Each session will be based around a problem or issue, and students will work towards a range of solutions by specifying objectives, identifying constraints, obtaining background information, applying related theory and knowledge based around the subject matter.

Large group sessions seek to establish an overview framework within which selected theories and rules of the subject matter can be more effectively developed. They will verify and consolidate knowledge and understanding and will engage in more detailed exposition of selected theories, rules and constraints.

The guided learning will incorporate a mixture of activities, some of which will require group work and electronic interaction. The learning will be facilitated by use of the VLE platform and discussions/interactions between students and tutors.

Students will be expected to be familiar with contemporary discussions in this area of law, and to bring a range of ideas to bear on the discussions. Thus, although there will be a framework of knowledge and understanding, students will be actively, rather than passively, engaged in the process of both learning about, and increasing understanding of, the subject matter.

The module will use a blend of teaching methods to enable different styles of learning to be facilitated. The differing methods will also be a platform for the development of essential skills such as intellectual skills, communication skills and problem solving, as well as research, teamwork, referencing, argument, judgement and appropriate use of IT.

Working towards the assessment tasks will be a key element of the learning, and tutors will be available to guide students through the process, and to improve their ability to meet the learning outcomes to a high standard. It is expected that around 100 hours of the module will be devoted to the assessment tasks - much of it during the self-directed periods in relation to the extended writing assessment.

Assessment will be an integral part of the module. There will be two assessment points and workshops focused on assessment activities will be scheduled into the timetable. Earlier tasks will be shorter and more succinct, enabling fast feedback from the tutors so that students can learn and improve for later assessment tasks. Formative feedback will be provided wherever possible.

Daniel Moeckli, International Human Rights Law (OUP 2014)

Philip Alston and Ryan Goodman, International Human Rights (OUP 2013)

Helen Fenwick, Fenwick on Civil Liberties and Human Rights (5th edn, Routledge 2017)

David Hoffman and John Rowe, Human Rights in the UK: An Introduction to the Human Rights Act 1998 (4th edn, Pearson 2013)

The Module Handbook and associated materials.
The module Blackboard page.
Appropriate texts, legislation, cases and journals.
Computing facilities (necessary to access materials on the web and specialist online databases.)

None