Course Description:

The course will be divided into two separate, but interrelated pillars. In the framework of the first pillar a systematic overview of the modern concept of the international human rights protection under the aegis of the United Nations will be offered. This overview will include the historical background, the institutional structures -with special reference to the UN human rights treaty system- and the role of different actors of the world community towards the realization of international human rights protection. Further the main debates on the concept of human rights will be discussed such as the universality of human rights in the light of the argument of cultural relativism, the principle of State sovereignty, the role of the individual, the theories of natural and legal positivism in reference human rights etc. At the end of the first block lecture topics of the debates analyzed will be distributed to the participants. The topics will constitute the frame of reference of the presentations and discussions to follow in the second pillar.
The second pillar of the block lecture will be consisted of presentations held by the participants on the topics distributed. After each presentation a discussion will follow with feedback and participation of all attendants. Students will be graded according to their performance in the presentation and the following to it discussion.

Course Type:

Lecture / intensive course lasting several full days

Course Registration:

Please contact Ms. Despoina Glarou at glarou@zedat.fu-berlin.de to register for this course. Enrollment is possible until the 31st of October 2012.

Exam:

There will be a written examination or presentations

Frequency:

The course will be held at irregular intervals. It will be available in the winter term 2012/13. close