Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	International Human Rights Law
Module Code	LG237
School	School of Law & Government
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Adam McAuley Semester 2: Adam McAuley Autumn: Adam McAuley
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The purpose of this module is to examine the history, development, structure and efficacy of the international human rights law framework. In this module students will investigate the legal framework of the United Nations and of regional systems with regard to the promotion and protection of human rights. Students will examine human rights legal provisions and violations thereof as well as the remedies which are available. This module provides a platform of knowledge whereby students can understand and critique international human rights legislation and norms. Students are expected to attend weekly lectures. They are also expected to research and read relevant articles and contribute to class discussion.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the international human rights law system and regional human rights law systems
2. Examine regional and international legal mechanisms and procedures of human rights law enforcement
3. Compare and contrast international human rights, including the right to liberty, the right to health and freedom from torture.
4. Critically analyse specific areas of international human rights law with reference to relevant legal instruments and academic commentary
5. Construct an international human rights law model instrument and justify choice of provisions

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	2 hour lecture. Class discussion expected
Independent learning	101	Research, Reading, Completing Assignment, Exam Preparation
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

History and Development of International Human Rights Law Discourse..
The origins of international human rights discourse from historical, philosophical and legal perspectives..

Protection of Human Rights in the UN system..
How did the UN incorporate human rights into their structure and functioning?How effective is the UN at promoting and protecting human rights?.

Protection of Human Rights in regional systems..
How does the understanding and practice of human rights differ in Europe, Africa and the Americas?Can regional systems adequately protect and promote human rights?.

Protection of specific international human rights..
Examples of the ways in which specific human rights are protected will be examined from sociological, political and legal perspectives. The distinction between civil and political and economic, social and cultural rights will be analysed..

Nature and Enforcement of International Human Rights Law..
How effective is international human rights law?.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Project	n/a	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Alston, P (ed): 1999, The EU and Human Rights, OUP, Oxford,
Alston, P. (ed.): 2000, The Future of UN Human Rights Treaty Monitoring, CUP, Cambridge,
Alston, P. & Steiner, H.: 2007, International Human Rights in Context, 3rd, OUP, Oxford,
Clapham, A.: 2006, Human Rights Obligarions of Non-State Actors, OUP, Oxford,
Smith, R.: 2007, Textbook on International Human Rights, 3rd, OUP, Oxford,
Forsythe, D.: 2006, Human Rights in International Relations, CUP, Cambridge,
Nickel, J.: 2007, Making Sense of Human Rights, Blackwell, MA,

Other Resources

7041, Moodle, 0, Class Notes and Other Relevant Resources are available on the Moodle page for the Module,

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BCL

BCL (Law and Society)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

CCS

BA in Contemporary Culture and Society

ECSAO

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)