Last modified: 15 Jan 2026 17:16
Human Rights have long been at the epicentre of heated debates in contemporary global politics. This course will examine the theoretical and philosophical foundations of human rights within their historical context, along with the key controversies that shape current implementation and enforcement of the human rights regime in global politics. This course is suitable for specialist and non-specialist alike. No prior knowledge is required.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Offshore | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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This course will examine the main theories, concepts and practices surrounding the international human rights regime, and will encourage you to critically examine the role of human rights in global politics by studying a number of contemporary case studies and approaches. It particularly considers key issues such as the question of universalism of human rights, their measurement challenge, the role of states and non-state actors in formulating and enforcing the human rights agenda, the case of humanitarian intervention, and the tension between security and human rights. This course will provide students with an overview of theory and practice of human rights in global politics.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 65 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 41 | Feedback Weeks | 43 | |
| Feedback |
Online Exam |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Recognize and distinguish between the main theories and concepts employed in the study of human rights. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Demonstrate comprehension of the academic debates surrounding the role of human rights in global politics. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of the international human rights regime. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Assess arguments about the practice of human rights in global politics. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 35 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 39 | Feedback Weeks | 42 | |
| Feedback |
Feedback will normally be provided within a maximum of three working weeks after deadline of the assessment. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Recognize and distinguish between the main theories and concepts employed in the study of human rights. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of the international human rights regime. |
| Reflection | Analyse | Present material, orally and in writing, in a coherent and well-structured form. |
| Assessment Type | Formative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Feedback will be provided at the end of the presentation. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Reflection | Analyse | Present material, orally and in writing, in a coherent and well-structured form. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Feedback will normally be provided within a maximum of three working weeks after the resit assessment. |
Word Count | 3000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of the international human rights regime. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Recognize and distinguish between the main theories and concepts employed in the study of human rights. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Assess arguments about the practice of human rights in global politics. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Demonstrate comprehension of the academic debates surrounding the role of human rights in global politics. |
| Reflection | Analyse | Present material, orally and in writing, in a coherent and well-structured form. |
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