Academic Programs International Studies Macalester College

Course Description     Course Requisites     Schedule of Readings    

International Studies

Introduction to International Human Rights

International Studies 245-02
Macalester College, Fall 2007

Instructor: Jim von Geldern

Class: MWF 10:50 am-11:50 am
Room: Carnegie 208
E-mail: vongeldern@macalester.edu
Office: Humanities 207
Phone: x6568
Office hours: Monday, 12:00-1:00, Wednesday, 9:30-10:30, or by appointment

Course Description:

This course introduces the theoretical and practical concerns shaping the study and promotion of human rights today. Using a variety of materials and case studies, our exploration focuses on: 1) the key concepts used in the discussion of human rights; 2) the debate over whether rights are universal; 3) the regional and international institutions and organizations devoted to enforcing human rights; 4) the role states play in protecting human rights, both internally and in relation to violator states; and 5) current topics, including responses to war crimes and genocide, the implications of globalization for human rights, and the dilemmas posed by demands for self-determination voiced by groups around the world.


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