Students
IRPG830 – The Politics of International Human Rights Law
2015 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Jonathan Symons
Contact via jonathan.symons@mq.edu.au
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MIntRel or PGDipIntRel or PGCertIntRel or MIntCommMIntRel or MIntBusMIntRel or MIntRelMIntTrdeComLaw or MTransInterMIntRel or MAppAnth or PGDipAppAnth or MDevCult or PGDipDevCult or MA in (History or Modern History) or PGDipArts in Modern History or PGCertArts in Modern History or MIntPubDip or MGlobalHlthDevStud or GradDipIntRel or GradCertIntRel
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
It is impossible to comprehend or participate in contemporary international relations without an understanding of the politics of human rights. This unit explores the evolving system of international law, rules and principles that seek to promote human rights. Students will examine contemporary theories of 'human rights', the historical development of international human rights practice and its impacts within contemporary global politics. We will also examine the ways in which international human rights practice influences contemporary political controversies over issues such as refugees, sexual rights, torture and economic development.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and development of international human rights law
- Identify and explain the connections between the principles, norms, rules and decision-making procedures that make up the international human rights regime;
- Undertake independent research and present that research during discussions and in written form;
- Critically evaluate and analyse arguments surrounding the international human rights regime – both orally and in written work
- Identify and organise relevant theories, concepts and case studies to communicate (orally and in written work) a persuasive, coherent, critical argument
- Work collaboratively within tutorials to create critical, dynamic discussion
- Explain and reflect upon some of the major international issues occurring within international relations and the role that human rights plays within these issues
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Tutorial Presentation | 20% | Various |
| Online Quiz | 10% | Week 6 |
| Research Essay | 40% | Week 8 |
| Take Home Exam | 30% | Week 13 |
Tutorial Presentation
Due: Various
Weighting: 20%
This task is designed to develop and assess your oral communication skills and ability to work with others. At the beginning of semester we will assign tutorial topics to presenters who will work in pairs. Together, you will run the first 15-30 minutes of the tutorial. Any form of presentation is acceptable, except you must not read a written paper. You could conduct a debate, show some images, run a role play, conduct a quiz, put students in small groups for discussion, show media etc. Your presentation should help others to gain greater understanding by analysing the week’s topic and linking it to current human rights issues. For example a presentation on the topic of ‘International Enforcement’ may consider the doctrine of “Responsibility to Protect” and perhaps link this to the current situation in Syria or the recent military action in Libya.
Each group must email jonathan.symons@mq.edu.au (or your tutor if this is not Jon) a 700 word paper at least 24 hours before your presentation. This paper should explain how you have sought to engage the group, what you have sought to achieve in the class and outline the resources you have drawn on. You will be assessed on five criteria:
· Preparation
· Organization
· Content
· Creativity
· Engagement
You will be marked as a group for this task and further information/discussion about the task will be available on ilearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and development of international human rights law
- Undertake independent research and present that research during discussions and in written form;
- Critically evaluate and analyse arguments surrounding the international human rights regime – both orally and in written work
- Identify and organise relevant theories, concepts and case studies to communicate (orally and in written work) a persuasive, coherent, critical argument
- Work collaboratively within tutorials to create critical, dynamic discussion
- Explain and reflect upon some of the major international issues occurring within international relations and the role that human rights plays within these issues
Online Quiz
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 10%
A mid-semester test comprising 10 multiple choice questions (worth 1 mark each and therefore 10% of the total assessment) covering material presented in the unit up to and including week 5. The test itself will be conducted at the end of week 6 and will cover material presented in the first 5 weeks. The test will be administered on-line. You will have access to the test from 9am Thursday Week 6 - 5pm Saturday. Once you open and start the test, however, you will have only a certain amount of time in which to finish it (e.g. 20 mins). You will need to revise all the material presented in the first 5 weeks of the course to answer the questions before you start the test. You won't be able to attempt to simply look answers up during the test.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and development of international human rights law
Research Essay
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 40%
Students are required to submit a research essay of no more than 2500 words in length.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and development of international human rights law
- Identify and explain the connections between the principles, norms, rules and decision-making procedures that make up the international human rights regime;
- Undertake independent research and present that research during discussions and in written form;
- Critically evaluate and analyse arguments surrounding the international human rights regime – both orally and in written work
- Identify and organise relevant theories, concepts and case studies to communicate (orally and in written work) a persuasive, coherent, critical argument
- Explain and reflect upon some of the major international issues occurring within international relations and the role that human rights plays within these issues
Take Home Exam
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%
An end-of-semester take home exam will cover content drawn from the entire unit. The exam will consist of 4 questions and the maximum word length will be 2000 words.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and development of international human rights law
- Identify and explain the connections between the principles, norms, rules and decision-making procedures that make up the international human rights regime;
- Critically evaluate and analyse arguments surrounding the international human rights regime – both orally and in written work
- Identify and organise relevant theories, concepts and case studies to communicate (orally and in written work) a persuasive, coherent, critical argument
- Explain and reflect upon some of the major international issues occurring within international relations and the role that human rights plays within these issues
Delivery and Resources
Technologies Used
This unit has an online presence in in ilearn. Students will require access to reliable broadband and a computer.
Tutoring Staff
Dr Jonathan Symons
Texts
Textbook: Goodhart, Michael, ed. Human rights: politics and practice. Oxford University Press, 2013
All readings will either be drawn form the textbook or will be available electronically (via the library or via links from the unit's ilearn page).
Unit Schedule
Week 1
Introduction: Overview of International Human Rights Practice
Thursday 26 Feb 2015
Week 2
Twentieth Century History of International Human Rights
Thursday 5 March 2015
Week 3
Contemporary Theories of Human Rights
Thursday 12 March 2015
Week 4
Implementation: Socialisation, Persuasion & Civil Society
Thursday 19 March 2015
Week 5
International Enforcement
Thursday 26 March 2015
Week 6
Civil and Political Rights: Torture
Thursday 2 April 2015
Online Quiz: Thursday 2nd April- Saturday 4th April
MID SEMESTER BREAK: 3 April to 19 April 2015
Week 7
Social and Economic Rights: Development
Thursday 23 April 2015
Week 8
Individual to Group Rights: Self-Determination
Thursday 30 April 2015
Week 9
Refugees & Asylum Rights
Thursday 7 May 2015
Research Essay due 4 May 2015
Week 10
Genocide and Crimes against Humanity
Thursday 14 May 2015
Week 11
Sexual Rights
Thursday 21 May 2015
Week 12
Conclusions & the Future of Human Rights
Thursday 28 May 2015
Week 13
Final Examination Released on ilearn at 9 am Wednesday 3 June - due for submission 11 pm Thursday 4 June 2014.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Work collaboratively within tutorials to create critical, dynamic discussion
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and development of international human rights law
- Identify and explain the connections between the principles, norms, rules and decision-making procedures that make up the international human rights regime;
- Undertake independent research and present that research during discussions and in written form;
- Critically evaluate and analyse arguments surrounding the international human rights regime – both orally and in written work
- Explain and reflect upon some of the major international issues occurring within international relations and the role that human rights plays within these issues
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Identify and explain the connections between the principles, norms, rules and decision-making procedures that make up the international human rights regime;
- Undertake independent research and present that research during discussions and in written form;
- Critically evaluate and analyse arguments surrounding the international human rights regime – both orally and in written work
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Undertake independent research and present that research during discussions and in written form;
- Identify and organise relevant theories, concepts and case studies to communicate (orally and in written work) a persuasive, coherent, critical argument
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Undertake independent research and present that research during discussions and in written form;
- Critically evaluate and analyse arguments surrounding the international human rights regime – both orally and in written work
- Identify and organise relevant theories, concepts and case studies to communicate (orally and in written work) a persuasive, coherent, critical argument
- Work collaboratively within tutorials to create critical, dynamic discussion
- Explain and reflect upon some of the major international issues occurring within international relations and the role that human rights plays within these issues
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Critically evaluate and analyse arguments surrounding the international human rights regime – both orally and in written work
- Explain and reflect upon some of the major international issues occurring within international relations and the role that human rights plays within these issues
Changes from Previous Offering
The Unit is being convened by Jonathan Symons for the second time in 2015. Topics and readings have been slightly reorganised in response to student feedback in 2014 (for example, there is now no lecture in the final week).