HUMR4130 – Introduction to the History, Philosophy and Politics of Human Rights

Course content

This course provides an introduction to the history, philosophy and politics of human rights, beginning with a brief presentation of the pre-history and the modern development of international human rights. Second, you will examine the concept of universal human rights and justifications and criticisms of human rights in general. Next, you will study political and philosophical debates about the soundness of specific human rights norms. You will also examine the status, roles, and uses of human rights in international relations and the issue of promoting human rights across borders. Finally, you will examine dilemmas and conflicts related to freedom of religion or belief, and study attempts at grounding or finding support for human rights in specific normative traditions (Confucianism and Islam).

Learning outcome

This course will, successfully completed, provide you with a good understanding of basic conceptual features of modern human rights, including standard justifications and criticisms, of the relationships between human rights and comprehensive moral and political doctrines, and of how they relate to moral and cultural relativism. You will understand the complex, dynamic, and sometimes ambiguous ways human rights promotion operate in transnational, international, and domestic contexts.

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.

Admission is limited to students studying at the Master's Degree level.

Prerequisites

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.