Human Rights Law

LSLW 574/JURI 474

Summer 2007

TEXTS: Donnelly, Jack. Universal Human Rights: in Theory and Practice, 2nd Edition. (Ithica, New York: Cornell University Press, 2005). Recommended Reference: Brownie, Ian. Basic Documents on Human Rights (New York: Oxford University Press, 1994).

GRADING:

Midterm Examinations: 40%

Final Examination: 40%

Classroom attendance & Participation: 20%

PURPOSE OF THIS COURSE

You must read the assignments prior to class, come prepared to discuss the issues intelligently, participate in class, and be prepared to apply your knowledge creatively to problems assigned in class. The purpose of the course and its rules are as follows:

1. To become familiar with basic documents on human rights.
2. To acquaint students with current theories of human rights as they have evolved.
3. To develop a working knowledge of the principles guiding mechanisms which create, enforce, and destroy human rights.
4. To learn how to analyze conflicts among peoples competing for power, property, and freedom in various social and governmental contexts.
5. To understand the limitations of human rights law in modern transnational and internal disputes.
6. Reading assignments must be prepared in advance of the class meeting date.
7. Not all course material is covered in the readings. Examinations may include material covered by lecture, class discussion, handouts, demonstrations or lab sessions in addition to assigned readings.
8. Gradiate Students will have additional assignments.
9. Grades will be lowered if assignments are completed late.
10. Class attendance is not mandatory but cut class at your own risk.
11. Recommended reference books and supplemental reading materials will be made available during the course. Specific reading materials will be assigned.

TOPICS AND ASSIGNMENTS

All assignments refer to the textbook, handouts, and reserved reading materials. Specific assignments within the pages assigned may be announced in class. All topics will be covered on a flexible schedule depending on the needs of the class and other factors. Preliminary dates are provided.

D=Donnelly

DATE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------TOPIC-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------READINGS