Course overview
The aim of this course is to have students consider the legal, philosophical and sociological underpinnings of human rights; students will be encouraged to think critically about the views they hold and the values reflected in the Australian and international legal systems. The course will focus on the United Nations and its role in formulating, interpreting and monitoring human rights. A further component of the course will be the protection of human rights in Australia.
Course learning outcomes
- Compare and assess the various theories proposed as the basis for the protection of human rights
- Analyse primary sources ie. treaties and cases, with an understanding of the system of public international law and domestic public law
- Analyse secondary materials with a critical understanding of the principles of human rights law
- Assess the structure, major institutions and jurisprudence of the international human rights system
- Communicate clearly and concisely about principles of human rights law in both written and oral forms
- Identify social and cultural diversity and the operation of Australian human rights law and public international law in that context