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CREDIT HOURS: 1

This intensive course will draw attention to how and why the relationship between human rights and its 'Others' has been highly fraught and replete with tensions. Gender and cultural differences are the primary focus of exploring and unpacking two central claims on which human rights law is based: firstly, that human rights are universal; and secondly, that human rights are an optimistic, progressive and emancipatory pursuit. These claims will be interrogated through the course materials focusing on themes such as the treatment of difference and how the 'Other' has been addressed in human rights law. Students will not only learn how human rights are not necessarily always a progressive pursuit, they will also learn to grapple with how to deal with some of the challenges posed by those who argue i) that human rights are culturally specific to the West, and therefore inappropriate in non-Western cultural contexts; ii) that they are a ruse for pursing neo-imperial or neo-liberal agendas; or iii) that they are exclusive and available to some humans, not all humans. 

Prerequisite(s):Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð.
Co-requisite(s):Ìý±·´Ç²Ô±ð.
Assessment Method: This course will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis. To receive a Pass, students must: prepare for and attend all classes, and participate respectfully in each class session; complete to a satisfactory level a short written assignment that is 10 pages long (double spaced; 2500 words). An assignment sheet with details will be distributed on the first day of class. Major research paper (60%), policy and reflection exercise (30%), general class participation (10%).
Restrictions: Students are not permitted to audit this course.