Students
LAW 887 – 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
Carolyn Adams
Contact via carolyn.adams@mq.edu.au
W3A 511
Wednesday, 13.00 to 14.00
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MIntEnvLaw or PGDipIntEnvLaw or PGCertIntEnvLaw or LLM or 42cp in LAW units at 400 or 500 level or (admission to JD and 32cp in LAW or LAWS units at 800 level)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit deals with the protection and promotion of human rights in international law. The unit traces the historical development of human rights law at national, international regional and global levels. The unit considers frameworks for analysing the rights of individuals and groups – and the duties of states to protect those rights – as well as the institutions and mechanisms in place to protect and promote rights in practice. The unit includes consideration of the cross-cultural dimensions and other tensions inherent in this area of international law, with a focus on contemporary challenges for international human rights law.
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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 foundations and evolution of the international human rights law system--within the broader international law framework--and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of the system.
- Evaluate and compare the mechanisms available for monitoring and enforcing human rights standards in different international and regional systems.
- Develop an individual research proposal and project that critically analyses a current issue or development in international human rights law from a theoretical perspective.
- Reflect on past and present international developments, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments from an international human rights law perspective.
General Assessment Information
Disruption to Studies
In the absence of a successful application for special consideration due to a disruption to studies, any assessment task submitted after its published deadline will not be graded and will receive a mark of zero. Applications for a Disruption to Studies are made electronically, via ask.mq.edu.au, and should be accompanied by supporting documentation. Students should refer to the Disruption to Studies Policy for complete details of the policy and a description of the supporting documentation required.
Please note that a Disruption to Studies application will only be successful where the student experiences a serious and unavoidable disruption that could not have been reasonably anticipated, avoided or guarded against by the student AND was beyond the student's control AND caused substantial disruption to the student's capacity for effective study and/or completion of required work AND was at least three (3) consecutive days duration.
Submission
All assessments in the unit are to be submitted electronically by way of Turnitin on the iLearn page. Plagiarism detection software is used in this unit.
Format
All assessment tasks in this unit must be typed in Word format and be double spaced to facilitate marking in Turnitin.
Word Limits
Word limits will be strictly applied and work above the word limit will not be assessed.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Research Essay Proposal | 10% | 6 March 2015 |
| Research Essay | 40% | 10 April 2015 |
| Final Assignment | 50% | 12 June 2015 |
Research Essay Proposal
Due: 6 March 2015
Weighting: 10%
You are required to develop and submit a research question and proposal for your research essay. The proposal must clearly set out the research question you are proposing to answer and your proposed approach to the question. You should include the section headings and sub-headings you will use in your essay, with a brief explanation of what you will discuss under each heading. The proposal must clearly indicate what current issue you are intending to consider and the theoretical framework within which you propose to consider the issue. The plan should be between one and two A4 pages long.
You are required to submit your research essay proposal by way of Turnitin on the unit iLearn page before 5 pm on Friday, 6 March 2015.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations and evolution of the international human rights law system--within the broader international law framework--and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of the system.
- Develop an individual research proposal and project that critically analyses a current issue or development in international human rights law from a theoretical perspective.
- Reflect on past and present international developments, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments from an international human rights law perspective.
Research Essay
Due: 10 April 2015
Weighting: 40%
You are required to submit a research essay, based on your research essay proposal, that critically analyses a current issue or development in international human rights law, of interest to you, from a theoretical perspective. The maximum word limit for the research report will be 3000 words. Please note that this is an absolute maximum and that any words beyond the word limit will not be read or taken into account in grading your paper. The word limit does not include footnotes, but footnotes must not include any substantive text. A bibliography is not required.
You will be required to submit your research report by way of Turnitin on the unit iLearn page before 5 pm on Friday, 10 April 2015.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations and evolution of the international human rights law system--within the broader international law framework--and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of the system.
- Develop an individual research proposal and project that critically analyses a current issue or development in international human rights law from a theoretical perspective.
- Reflect on past and present international developments, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments from an international human rights law perspective.
Final Assignment
Due: 12 June 2015
Weighting: 50%
You are required to complete a final assignment during the University examination period, which runs from Tuesday, 9 June 2015 to Friday, 26 June 2015. All students are required to ensure that they are available until the end of the teaching period, that is, until the final day of the official examination period.
The final assignment in this unit will be posted on the unit iLearn page at 9 am on Thursday, 11 June 2015 and will be due before 5 pm on Friday, 12 June 2015.
The examination will comprise five (5) short answer questions and an essay. You will be given a choice of ten (10) short answer questions and a choice of two (2) essay topics. The questions and the essay topics may be drawn from any part of the course. Each response to a short answer question must not exceed 300 words. Your response to all five of the short answer questions must not exceed 1500 words. Your response to the essay question must not exceed 1000 words. Please note that these are absolute maximums and that any words beyond the word limits will not be read or taken into account in grading your final assignment. These word limits do not include footnotes, but footnotes must not include any substantive text. A bibliography is not required.
You will have 32 hours to complete the final assignment, although the assignment itself should take you no longer than 3 hours in total. The assignment is available over a 32 hour period (that is, two days and one evening) to allow for work, family and other commitments, including exams, and for students who require reasonable adjustments to the timing of assessments.
You are required to submit your final assignment by way of Turnitin on the unit iLearn page before 5 pm on Friday, 12 June 2015. Your final assignment must be submitted as two separate documents: (1) Responses to short answer questions; and (2) Response to essay question.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations and evolution of the international human rights law system--within the broader international law framework--and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of the system.
- Evaluate and compare the mechanisms available for monitoring and enforcing human rights standards in different international and regional systems.
- Reflect on past and present international developments, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments from an international human rights law perspective.
Delivery and Resources
Technology used and required
To participate successfully in this unit, students will require access to the unit iLearn page. Students will be required to upload all assessment tasks by way of Turnitin on the unit iLearn page.
Delivery
The unit will be delivered as a series of weekly two hour lectures running from Week 1 until Week 13, which will be recorded on Echo360. It is important that you attend or listen to the lectures every week for guidance on content and how best to approach the various assessment items. There will also be weekly one hour tutorials running from Week 1 until Week 13, which will deal with the topics to be covered in the assessment tasks in more detail.
Unit materials
You are required to have access to both of the prescribed texts for this unit, as there will be readings set from each text almost every week. The prescribed texts are as follows:
- Olivier De Schutter, International Human Rights Law: Cases, Materials and Commentary (Cambridge University Press, 2nd ed, 2014); and
- D Moeckli, S Shah and S Sivakumaran (eds), International Human Rights Law (Oxford University Press, 2nd ed, 2014).
Preparatory readings
In preparation for LAW887, you should read the following material from the prescribed textbook to refresh your understanding of basic international law sources and principles:
- D Moeckli, S Shah and S Sivakumaran (eds), International Human Rights Law (Oxford University Press, 2010) Ch 4.
Unit Schedule
A detailed daily schedule will be provided on the unit iLearn page.
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 outcomes
- Develop an individual research proposal and project that critically analyses a current issue or development in international human rights law from a theoretical perspective.
- Reflect on past and present international developments, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments from an international human rights law perspective.
Assessment task
- Research Essay
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 foundations and evolution of the international human rights law system--within the broader international law framework--and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of the system.
- Evaluate and compare the mechanisms available for monitoring and enforcing human rights standards in different international and regional systems.
- Develop an individual research proposal and project that critically analyses a current issue or development in international human rights law from a theoretical perspective.
- Reflect on past and present international developments, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments from an international human rights law perspective.
Assessment tasks
- Research Essay Proposal
- Research Essay
- Final Assignment
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
- Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations and evolution of the international human rights law system--within the broader international law framework--and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of the system.
- Evaluate and compare the mechanisms available for monitoring and enforcing human rights standards in different international and regional systems.
- Develop an individual research proposal and project that critically analyses a current issue or development in international human rights law from a theoretical perspective.
- Reflect on past and present international developments, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments from an international human rights law perspective.
Assessment tasks
- Research Essay
- Final Assignment
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
- Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations and evolution of the international human rights law system--within the broader international law framework--and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of the system.
- Evaluate and compare the mechanisms available for monitoring and enforcing human rights standards in different international and regional systems.
- Develop an individual research proposal and project that critically analyses a current issue or development in international human rights law from a theoretical perspective.
- Reflect on past and present international developments, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments from an international human rights law perspective.
Assessment tasks
- Research Essay Proposal
- Research Essay
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
- Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations and evolution of the international human rights law system--within the broader international law framework--and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of the system.
- Evaluate and compare the mechanisms available for monitoring and enforcing human rights standards in different international and regional systems.
- Develop an individual research proposal and project that critically analyses a current issue or development in international human rights law from a theoretical perspective.
- Reflect on past and present international developments, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments from an international human rights law perspective.
Assessment tasks
- Research Essay Proposal
- Research Essay
- Final Assignment
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
- Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations and evolution of the international human rights law system--within the broader international law framework--and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of the system.
- Evaluate and compare the mechanisms available for monitoring and enforcing human rights standards in different international and regional systems.
- Develop an individual research proposal and project that critically analyses a current issue or development in international human rights law from a theoretical perspective.
- Reflect on past and present international developments, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments from an international human rights law perspective.
Assessment task
- Research Essay
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 16/12/2014 | One typo corrected. |