Syllabus
Course Description
This course introduces the historical foundations of human rights. It surveys the normative expression of rights in treaties and non-treaty instruments (“soft law”) and assesses the strengths and weaknesses of United Nations and regional human rights implementation and enforcement mechanisms. Issues that frequently arise in human rights advocacy are explored, including the permissible limitations on human rights; state responsibility for human rights abuses by non-state actors; and challenges to the legitimacy of human rights, including claims of culture and tradition to justify human rights violations. Gender and human rights, genocide, poverty, underdevelopment and the environment are also examined.
Mode of Instruction
The course is designed with the intent that the classes will be highly interactive, entailing a free-flowing discussion format. At times, students will be tasked with leading discussions. Classes will combine a wide range of materials, including audiovisuals, short video clips, readings, and powerpoint presentations. It is expected that students not only read but also think about the readings for that week. Students will be assigned and expected to read various texts relating to human rights: ranging from human rights reports by international human rights organizations, essays, texts of international agreements, journal articles, etc.
Grading
Grading will be based on a midterm paper, class presentation, class participation and final paper.
- Attendance and Participation: 25%. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. Your presence is required in each class all semester (absent prior notification to the professor in case of an emergency and make-up of work for that class in case of approved absence). The quality of your participation in class discussions on a regular basis and in posted comments or answers to questions given in class and in Brightspace Discussion Board will count in this 25% of the course grade as additional credit or a loss of credit in addition to basic attendance. Reading and thinking about the materials assigned, contributing additional ideas or materials to the class, and engaging with classmates in discussions as a collaborative learning experience are required for full credit here.
- Midterm examination: 20%. A take-home essay worth 20% of the final grade for the course.
- Presentation: 20% . Every student will make a 15-20 minutes long presentation. You will analyze and critique one or more article(s) or a chapter in the readings assigned for this course. You will prepare questions for class discussion which you will lead as part of your presentation, for a total of the presentation + discussion of approximately ½ hour. You may use PowerPoint slides or other visual materials.
- Final paper: 35%. Due on Brightspace. Your paper will analyze one specific human right or movement (or some aspect of defining or defending a human right); challenges to that human right from the perspective of history, philosophy or law; and your personal position or recommendations.
Attendance
In the event of a student not being able to attend class, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor in writing, via email, stating the reason for the inability to attend, at least 24 hours before class. In case of a personal or medical emergency, the instructor should be notified as soon as possible.
Academic Integrity
Hunter College regards acts of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating on examinations, obtaining unfair advantage, and falsification of records and official documents) as serious offenses against the values of intellectual honesty. The college is committed to enforcing the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity and will pursue cases of academic dishonesty according to the Hunter College Academic Integrity Procedures. (Hunter College Senate Resolution, May 11, 2005)
Academic dishonesty is prohibited and punishable by a variety of penalties, including failing grades, notation on a student’s record, suspension, and expulsion. It should be noted that plagiarism detection services are available for use by faculty.
Do not plagiarize. Any words or ideas that come from other sources must be properly credited. Documentation has at least three purposes: to give credit where it is due, as evidence which a reader can go and check, and to suggest sources of further information. If you use information or ideas from someone else in your paper, the sources must be cited even when they are not quoted directly. Failure to cite sources constitutes plagiarism and it is wrong whether it is intentional or unintentional. Submission of a paper which presents someone else’s work as your own will be grounds for failure. Definitions and examples of academic dishonesty can be found in the Hunter College Undergraduate Catalog http://catalog.hunter.cuny.edu/content.php?catoid=14&navoid=1187
Writing Center
Students are invited to use the Hunter College Reading/Writing Center as a resource in preparing your papers. Registered students can receive tutoring in reading and writing skills, critical reading, and the writing process. Students can apply for a weekly appointment with a tutor and/or use drop-in services during scheduled hours. For more information on how to access the writing center and its resources, please visit http://rwc.hunter.cuny.edu/index.html.
ADA Policy
In compliance with the American Disability Act of 1990 (ADA) and with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Hunter College is committed to ensuring educational parity and accommodations for all students with documented disabilities and/or medical conditions. It is recommended that all students with documented disabilities (Emotional, Medical, Physical, and/or Learning) consult the Office of AccessABILITY, located in Room E1214B, to secure necessary academic accommodations. For further information and assistance, please call: (212) 772- 4857 or (212) 650-3230.
Policy on Sexual Misconduct
In compliance with the CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Hunter College reaffirms the prohibition of any sexual misconduct, which includes sexual violence, sexual harassment, and gender-based harassment retaliation against students, employees, or visitors, as well as certain intimate relationships. Students who have experienced any form of sexual violence on or off campus (including CUNY-sponsored trips and events) are entitled to the rights outlined in the Bill of Rights for Hunter College.
a. Sexual Violence: Students are strongly encouraged to immediately report the incident by calling 911, contacting NYPD Special Victims Division Hotline (646-610-7272) or their local police precinct, or contacting the College’s Public Safety Office (212-772-4444).
b. All Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct: Students are also encouraged to contact the College’s Title IX Campus Coordinator, Dean John Rose ([email protected] or 212-650-3262) or Colleen Barry ([email protected] or 212-772-4534) and seek complimentary services through the Counseling and Wellness Services Office, Hunter East 1123.
CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct Link
Electronic Communication
Every student is expected to have an email address and to check email regularly. Information disseminated via email may also be given in class, but you will sometimes get it sooner by email. Please feel free to send me an email. However, to avoid having the message discarded as spam, please write the following somewhere in the subject line: “Human Rights 200.”
DURING THE CLASS YOU CAN ONLY USE DEVICES FOR TAKING NOTES AND TO UNDERTAKE IN-CLASS EXERCISES.
