HUMR1506 – International Human Rights Law: Leading Cases
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course will examine the most notable cases of the international judicial bodies charged with protecting human rights, paying particular attention to the most recent legal developments. The main focus will be on the United Nations and European legal systems with some reference to the American and African systems. Also highlighted will be leading cases and developments in Norwegian domestic law. Through the study of case law, the student will become familiar with the most-referenced cases and understand the contemporary direction and degree of protection offered by these courts or quasi-courts addressing the following areas:
- Freedom from discrimination
- Extra-territorial effects and positive obligations
- Safeguarding pluralism in education
- Protection of secular life stances
- Minority, indigenous rights and self-determination
- Property and land rights
- Public participation and free elections
- Protection of privacy
- Terrorism and personal liberty and security
- The standard of “necessary in a democratic society” and the principle of proportionality Principles of interpretation
- The object and purpose of the ECHR and the ICCPR: the value systems of the conventions
Learning outcome
This course will provide an opportunity to attain general understanding of the human right to freedom of religion or belief by studying pertinent provisions and cases in light of scholarly discourse and public debates. You will learn about the need, triggered in part by the growing public standing of human rights based on equal and inherent human dignity and freedom, for religious reinterpretation and reform when dealing with far-reaching societal changes and increased cultural complexity.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
This course is open for all bachelor students, students with admission to single courses, students with admission as guest students
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
none
Recommended previous knowledge
Students with no background in human rights studies are strongly advised to prepare in advance the recommended readings.
Teaching
Lectures and seminars with active student participation.
Examination
Written examination. Pass/Fail.
Other
This course is a bachelor version of the master course HUMR4506 – International Human Rights Law: Leading Cases (discontinued).