COURSE DESCRIPTION 2012 2013

Prof. Lorie M. Graham,

3 credits day; 3 credits evening. This course introduces students to the evolution of international human rights law and the various contemporary mechanisms and institutions in place to enforce these laws. The grade for the course is determined as follows: Class participation is ½ of the final grade. It will be calculated based on (1) attendance, (2) active participation in class discussions, and (3) current events (which includes reading and discussing current events articles and stories relating to Human Rights). Written Assignments constitute 1/2 of the final grade. There will be 10 written assignments due throughout the semester and are in lieu of a final paper, but the ten assignments together can be used to satisfy the legal writing requirement. Each assignment will be typed and turned into me on the day it is being discussed in class. Hardcopy or email is fine. There is no specific length requirement for each assignment, but you are expected to fully analyze the questions presented in the assignment, including citing to relevant cases and articles to support your points. This is an introduction to human rights law and its enforcement mechanisms. The course will include the study of: (1) the international laws that enumerate and protect civil rights; economic and social rights; rights against racial, ethnic, religious and gender discrimination; and rights to self-determination. (2) The development and contemporary functioning of human rights institutions and their processes. (3) The legitimacy and enforceability of human rights laws, with particular attention to challenges lodged on cultural relativist and state sovereignty grounds. The course will study these issues in the context of concrete cases and conflicts. It will also introduce those areas of international law necessary to an understanding of human rights. Final grade is based upon a paper and in-class participation.

Enrollment is limited: 20

Elective Course

On List of Recommended Perspectives Courses

Meets International Law Concentration Requirements

Final Paper Required

LLM Course

International Human Rights: A Women's Model