RGMUIER0157.5 ECTSQ1EnglishMaster
Human Rights I: Principles and Institutions
FaculteitFaculty of Law, Economics and Governance
NiveauMaster
Studiejaar2026-2027
Beschrijving
Course goals
After this course:
- The students have knowledge about the development of international human rights law, procedures and mechanisms;
- The students have in-depth insight into obstacles and problems in the shaping of principles and the functioning procedures;
- The students have examined different theoretical perspectives within the field and are able to identify how international human rights law functions within political and social contexts;
- The students have learned to distinguish between legal, moral, political and other considerations and to critically analyse arguments in order to arrive at an independently formulated and substantiated conclusion;
- The students have developed the skills to research, analyze and discuss about the work and functioning of human rights bodies, demonstrating an awareness of the potential and limits of international law.
Content
This course is designed for students interested in international law, human rights, international studies, international politics and international development. The first part of the course focuses on the major features of international human rights law as part and parcel of general international law. It begins by examining the philosophical and political bases for the international human rights movement. It addresses issues such as the foundations of human rights law, the sources of human rights, the question of universality of human rights, the role of equality and non-discrimination, different types of state obligations and issues of state responsibility. The second part of the course explores the international, regional and domestic monitoring mechanisms established for the promotion and protection of human. It pays particular attention to the UN system and the regional human rights systems in Europe, Africa, the America’s.
The course emphasizes the social and academic context of international human rights by focusing on topical and relevant developments as well as current academic debates within the field. Students are expected to read all assigned material, attend and prepare for all classes and take an active part in discussions. The class encourages diversity of opinion and respect for differing views. The course’s overall aim is to provide students with a strong understanding of the human rights system and its challenges so that in the course Human Rights II: Substantive Rights students can delve deeper into the case law of various substantive rights.
Place of the course in the curriculum:
The course emphasizes the social and academic context of international human rights by focusing on topical and relevant developments as well as current academic debates within the field. Students are expected to read all assigned material, attend and prepare for all classes and take an active part in discussions. The class encourages diversity of opinion and respect for differing views. The course’s overall aim is to provide students with a strong understanding of the human rights system and its challenges so that in the course Human Rights II: Substantive Rights students can delve deeper into the case law of various substantive rights.
Place of the course in the curriculum:
- Compulsory course in the specialisation 'Human Rights'
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