Charles A. Dana Research Associate Professor of Political Science Cardenas, Director; Paul E. Raether Distinguished Professor of History Greenberg (History), Professors Dworin (Theater & Dance), Euraque (History and International Studies), Raskin∙ (Psychology and Neuroscience), and Wade (Philosophy, International Studies, and Public Policy and Law); Associate Professors Bauer (International Studies) and Marcano∙ (Philosophy); Assistant Professor Markle (History and International Studies)
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. Students explore the complexities underlying civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights. 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 human rights policies be devised? How are human rights abuses and aspirations expressed through literature and the arts? And how might we approach the study of human rights critically, questioning its assumptions and applicability across diverse contexts? Students who wish to pursue an in-depth examination of human rights issues may undertake an individually tailored, interdisciplinary major in human rights studies. Student learning in the major is supplemented by co-curricular opportunities, including lectures, films, performances, exhibits, and internships.
The individually tailored, interdisciplinary major in human rights studies—An individually tailored major in human rights studies consists of three core courses, two specialized electives, five general electives, and a senior thesis or project. No more than two courses may be double-counted towards another major or minor. Students must earn a minimum of C- in any given course to receive credit for the major. Declaration forms and instructions are available from the Human Rights Program director.
Requirements for the major
Fall Term
[125. Introduction to Human Rights]— This course introduces students to the key concepts and debates in the study of Human Rights. For example, what are human rights standards and how have they evolved historically? Why do human rights violations occur and why is change sometimes possible? Is a human rights framework always desirable? In tackling such questions, the course surveys competing theories, including critical perspectives, applying these to a broad range of issues and concrete cases from around the world. (Enrollment limited)
399. Human Rights Studies— -Staff
497. Senior Project— Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor and director are required for enrollment in this single term project. -Staff
498. Senior Thesis Part 1— Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor and director are required for each semester of this yearlong thesis. (2 course credits are considered pending in the first semester; 2 course credits will be awarded for completion in the second semester). (2 course credits) -Staff
Courses Originating in Other Departments
[International Studies 238. Contemporary Africa: Resource Wars and Human Rights]— View course description in department listing on p. 570. Prerequisite: at least one college-level course that addresses the history of Africa before or during the colonial era, including HIST 252, 253, 331, 377, 391, 401
Political Science 369. International Human Rights Law— View course description in department listing on p. 747. -Cardenas
[Religion 338. Christian Social Ethics]— View course description in department listing on p. 797.
Spring Term
125. Introduction to Human Rights— This course introduces students to the key concepts and debates in the study of Human Rights. For example, what are human rights standards and how have they evolved historically? Why do human rights violations occur and why is change sometimes possible? Is a human rights framework always desirable? In tackling such questions, the course surveys competing theories, including critical perspectives, applying these to a broad range of issues and concrete cases from around the world. (Enrollment limited)-Cardenas
399. Human Rights Studies— -Staff
497. Senior Project— Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor and director are required for enrollment in this single term project. -Staff
499. Senior Thesis Part 2— Submission of the special registration form, available in the Registrar’s Office, and the approval of the instructor and chairperson are required for each semester of this yearlong thesis. (Two course credits are considered pending in the first semester; 2 course credits will be awarded for completion in the second semester.) (2 course credits) -Staff
Courses Originating in Other Departments
History 256. Human Rights in Latin America & the Caribbean: A History— View course description in department listing on p. 530. -Euraque
[History 313. The Struggle for Civil Rights in the United States]— View course description in department listing on p. 532.
International Studies 238. Contemporary Africa: Resource Wars and Human Rights— View course description in department listing on p. 577. Prerequisite: at least one college-level course that addresses the history of Africa before or during the colonial era, including HIST 252, 253, 331, 377, 391, 401 -Markle
[International Studies 250. Global Migration]— View course description in department listing on p. 578.
[International Studies 307. Women’s Rights as Human Rights]— View course description in department listing on p. 579.
Philosophy 246. Human Rights: Philosophical Foundations, Issues, and Debates— View course description in department listing on p. 713. -Marcano
[Political Science 369. International Human Rights Law]— View course description in department listing on p. 753.
Theater & Dance 373. Human Rights Through Performance: The Incarcerated— View course description in department listing on p. 830. -Dworin