Human rights are meant to ground justice, fairness, and equality, and all UN member states have pledged to uphold them. Yet abuses occur daily worldwide—from arbitrary arrests and torture to discrimination against marginalized groups such as racial minorities, LGBTI+ people, women, and Indigenous communities. Many violations are less visible, including systemic social and economic inequalities that especially harm people living in poverty. How governments, corporations, civil society, and individuals respond to these issues shapes the freedoms people experience.
Human Rights and Global Affairs examines both the misunderstanding and the uneven practice of human rights. The course asks whether we truly know what human rights are, why they matter, and how that knowledge protects freedom. Students study the evolution of the international human rights framework across ethics, politics, and law, and assess the responsibilities of state and non‑state actors. Through global case studies of both failure and progress, the course explores real-world challenges and the efforts of civil society and transnational networks to defend rights. By the end, students will be prepared to debate human rights confidently, understand the protections all people deserve, and better recognize struggles within their communities and across the global society.
Satisfies IDEA Course Requirement.
Most semesters, registration limited (including minors) to only one Political Science class (PSC prefix and courses cross-listed with PSC) except for Political Science majors. Check the current semester’s Schedule of Classes for more information.
