PSC400.1 : European Human Rights
Description:
Issues of human rights are at the heart of debates in the countries of Europe as these societies undergo rapid transformation and consider the form of the "new Europe." This course will delve into these issues, which reveal much about the culture, morals and values of the residents of Europe. It will begin with a general introduction to European human rights standards and present some of the Council of Europe mechanisms engaged in their application. It will then focus on specific rights, such as the prohibition of torture, the death penalty, freedom of expression and the right to family and private life. Next the course will turn to the question of minority protection examining issues of equality, non-discrimination and "minority rights." Students will have an opportunity to study and observe the European Court of Human Rights in action and participate in a "moot court" activity.
Throughout the course, the particular difficulties faced by various minority groups in Europe will be explored. Graduate students will select a case study of a minority situation of interest to them, and bring it into discussions as different human rights issues are explored. Examples of case studies could be Roma in the Czech Republic, the Tatars in Ukraine, language rights in Moldova, "Islamophobia" in the UK, North Africans in France, Albanians in Macedonia, return of Serbs in Croatia, etc.
Grades will be based on: a mid-term assignment or exam (students may choose to participate in a "moot court trial" instead); class participation; a term research project.
Graduate students will be given additional reading assignments and will be required to research a "case study" and complete a lengthier research project involving their case study.
Available Locations:
France
Semester(s) Offered:
Offered: Summer
Credits:
3
Department:
Political Science
