INDIVIDUALLY TAILORED, INTERDISCIPLINARY MAJOR IN HUMAN RIGHTS STUDIES

Overview

The study of human rights draws on multiple disciplines and perspectives to address fundamental questions relating to the humane treatment of people—theoretically, historically, and globally.  For example, what are internationally recognized human rights norms, and what are their origins and controversies?  Why do human rights conditions vary so widely?  How and why do human rights practices change, and how can more effective practices and policies be devised to protect human rights?   Students who wish to pursue an in-depth examination of human rights may undertake an individually tailored, interdisciplinary major in Human Rights Studies.   Student learning in the major is supplemented by numerous co-curricular opportunities offered through the Human Rights Program, including human rights lectures, films, performances, exhibits, and internships.

Guidelines

The following guidelines should be followed for individually tailored, interdisciplinary majors in Human Rights Studies.  Students should also review closely the section on student-designed majors in the Student Handbook, which specifies the format for proposals to be submitted to the Curriculum Committee.  Students interested in this option should first consult with Professor Sonia Cardenas.  Also, please note that not all courses are offered every year.

Proposals for individually tailored, interdisciplinary majors in Human Rights must include a minimum of 12 courses, drawn from at least three different disciplines. Students must earn a minimum of C- in any given course to receive credit for the major.

I.  Core Courses:  4 courses

Possible core courses include the following:

• International Studies 203—Human Rights in a Global Age
• Human Rights Studies 310—Human Rights: The Question of Justice
• History XXX—The History of Human Rights in Africa
• Political Science 231—The Politics of Human Rights
• Public Policy 360—International Human Rights Law
• Theater and Dance 373—Human Rights through Performance
• Women, Gender, and Sexuality 307—Women’s Rights as Human Rights

II. Electives:  7 courses    

Electives must be drawn from at least three different disciplines.  A maximum of two courses taken at other institutions, including Trinity’s sites in Santiago and Vienna, may count towards the major.  Students may also count an integrated internship towards the requirements for the major.   Examples of electives include:

• American Studies 355—Urban Mosaic
• Anthropology 215—Medical Anthropology
• English 308—Reconstructing Communities
• Environmental Studies 149—Introduction to Environmental Science
• Hispanic Studies 371—Special Topics in Latin American Literature: Testimonies and Human Rights (in Spanish)
• History 103—Europe and the Post-War World: Genocide
• History 377—After Empire?
• International Studies 212—Global Politics
• International Studies 249—Immigrants and Refugees
• International Studies 250—Transnational Migration
• International Studies 349—No Easy Walk to Freedom
• Philosophy 241—Race, Racism, and Philosophy
• Philosophy 354—Ethics and International Community
• Philosophy 355—Moral Theory and Public Policy
• Political Science 305—International Organizations
• Political Science 313—International Law
• Political Science 378—International Security
• Psychology 324—Stereotypes, Prejudice & Discrimination
• Public Policy 265—The Bill of Rights
• Public Policy 323—The Legal History of Race Relations
• Religion 239—Social Suffering
• Women, Gender, and Sexuality 301—Western Feminist Thought

III.  Synthesizing Project:  One- or two-credit senior thesis

Students interested in Honors are required to write a two-credit senior thesis, earning at least an A- on the thesis and an A- average for all courses counted towards the major.

back to top