This module is designed to provide you with a critical understanding of international human rights law. It will introduce and explore the historical, theoretical, and social contexts that underpin international human rights law and assess the effectiveness of application of human rights on a practical level. Whilst the focus is on the UN system, regional systems will also be considered. The module will also explore contemporary issues and challenges within the field of international human rights, allowing students to engage within key debates in the field.

Topics covered include:

International Human Rights Law: History, Concepts and Trajectories
International Human Rights Law Framework, Core Human Rights Instruments and different ‘categories’ of rights
Universalism and Cultural Relativism
The UN system
Implementation, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms
Vulnerable groups
Challenges to international human rights

Research Project - 3,000 words

Research Project - Assessing Outcomes 1 to 4

Students will be able to develop, plan and write a research project in an area of International Human Rights Law of their choosing.

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 200 hours of activities, split between 39 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 161 hours of directed and independent study, together with preparation for and completion of assessment tasks. Group discussions, tutorials and formative feedback will give students the opportunity to reflect upon progress and discuss strategies for developing skills and ideas.

WHOLE GROUP SESSIONS

In these sessions, students are introduced to the general concepts underlying the subject and are provided with an introduction to each individual topic. Teaching materials, including the use of the VLE platform, supplement the sessions. These sessions guide students towards consolidating their knowledge and understanding.

SMALLER GROUP SESSIONS

These are preceded by a period of independent learning. Class work will include individual, pair and group work and will involve producing, presenting and discussing oral and written work. The purpose of the smaller group sessions is to help students assess their understanding of a topic, to develop critical thinking and analytic skills, and to learn how to apply these skills to different situations. The sessions encourage active participation and interaction among students and between students and tutors. A variety of teaching methods is adopted in order to encourage the development of essential skills such as intellectual rigour, communication, research, referencing, judgement and the appropriate use of IT.

DIRECTED AND INDEPENDENT STUDY (161 hours)

Independent study includes research and preparation for the work to be undertaken in the smaller group sessions and consolidation of understanding afterwards. Directed study opportunities, are provided to enable students to revise key topics at important stages in the module. Directed and independent study aims to develop a deeper understanding of issues within the area of critical thinking and argument. Module information including module booklet, timetable, class notes, practice activities, feedback, links to external resources, assessment details and additional resources to support study will be on the VLE. Students may also be expected to post comments and have on-line discussions through the VLE.

1. Recognise the importance of the historical, theoretical, and social contexts that underpin international human rights law.

University Learning Outcome: Knowledge and Understanding

2. Evaluate theoretical perspectives on international human rights law.

University Learning Outcome: Enquiry

3. Appraise the implementation, monitoring and enforcement of international human rights law in different contexts while taking account of implications of diverse cultural values.

University Learning Outcome: Analysis

4. Identify and examine the impact of contemporary issues and challenges in the field of international human rights law.

University Learning Outcome: Knowledge and Understanding; Analysis

Access to appropriate primary and secondary legal resources via the library databases, such as: Westlaw; Lexis-Nexis; Practical Law Online; Law Trove; E-books and Journals

Computing facilities to access material available via Blackboard and the web

Core Text - Choose either of the following. Both available on Law Trove:

Moeckli D, Shah S, Sivakumaran S and Harris D, International Human Rights Law ( 4th edn, OUP 2022)

Smith R K, International Human Rights (10th edn, OUP 2022)

Recommended -

Alston P and Goodman R, International Human Rights in Context Text and Materials (OUP 2013)

OUP Texts are available as digital textbooks on the Law Trove subscription service.

None

This module offers an opportunity to explore the historical and theoretical foundations of international human rights, alongside an examination of contemporary global challenges. You will gain insights into the UN human rights system and how this framework applies to various scenarios. Additionally, the module will enhance your awareness and understanding of the intersectionality and the complex, multi-layered nature of international human rights law.