IR3030 Human Rights in Theory and Practice

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Mon 12pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr C A Ardila Arevalo

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr C A Arévalo

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module introduces students to the complex debates concerning human rights, and in particular to the interrelationship between human rights in theory and in practice. While human rights is a powerful idea in our time, it is also the focus of numerous controversies. The module explores the philosophical foundations of universal human rights; the political, legal and historical development of modern human rights norms; issues and trends that have arisen since the advent of the United Nations human rights system; and the impact of human rights on the rules of international politics.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

3-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 1-hour lecture (x 10 weeks), 1 x 1-hour tutorial (x 10 weeks), 2 consultation hours with Coordinator (x 12 weeks). 2 hours examination feedback in week 1 of following semester.

Scheduled learning hours

22

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

278

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Comprehend the historical foundations, key actors, and central institutions of the international human rights system
  • Understand the evolution of the idea of human rights, and its conceptual components
  • Assess the implications of human rights for a wide variety of actors in global politics, including individuals, states, and international organizations
  • Understand contemporary challenges and emerging trends in human rights theory and practice
  • Articulate critical, reasoned and factually supported arguments both orally and in writing