Introduction to International Human Rights - Theory, Law and Practice London School of Economics and Political Science

Overview

Key facts

London School of Economics and Political Science's Introduction to International Human Rights - Theory, Law and Practice course begins with an introductory account of the general idea of human rights and of the history of the idea from ancient Greek origins and the Enlightenment to contemporary understandings of human rights. Early on, students will be exposed to several enduring human rights critiques and, through a series of case studies, examine the tensions that the practice of human rights today highlights, such as in the areas of free speech, prohibiting torture, and countering terrorism.

The course then turns to assess the structure and standards that govern international human rights law, with an emphasis on the most effective international system of rights protection, the European Convention on Human Rights. We will consider a number of key human rights, including freedom of expression, the right to respect for private and family life, and freedom of religion. Special emphasis will be placed on how these rights have been interpreted in difficult and controversial cases, for example with regard to hate speech, controversial sexual practices, or potentially divisive religious symbols.The course then will move to other international and regional human rights systems, and the relationship between human rights and pressing global problems, such as poverty, migration, and climate change.