GS 453

Human Rights in Global Context

An introduction to the conceptual foundations and practical relevance of the international human rights regime. This course examines the core achievements of the human rights revolution as well as the ongoing tension between the rhetoric of human rights promotion and the reality of human rights violations in many parts of the world. Additional course themes may include: the emergence of the International Criminal Court; debates around economic and social rights, as well as around universality vs. 'cultural relativity'; and the Responsibility to Protect doctrine and the tension between human rights and state sovereignty. Prerequisites: Honours standing in Global Studies and at least 1.0 credit in 300 level GS courses, or permission of the instructor Exclusions: GS405w