Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Human rights have become a central issue in international politics, observable in the increasing number of political claims for human rights that have been advanced in recent decades. This unit examines the theory and politics of human rights in a global context. It first considers different normative approaches to conceptualising human rights, and their contested philosophical foundations. It then analyses the politics of human rights through a range of empirical cases, which may include refugees, security, citizenship, development justice, and climate change.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 core unit in the Human Rights major sequence
  • Level 3 option in the Political Science and International Relations; Philosophy, Politics and Economics; International Relations major sequences
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain and analyse the development of the human rights discourse and its significance in international politics; (2) identify the strengths and weaknesses of key normative and philosophical approaches to human rights; (3) evaluate debates regarding human rights in global politics; and (4) communicate in written and oral assessments using the conventions of the discipline.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) seminar preparation and participation; (2) a research essay; and (3) analytical assignments. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Ky Gentry
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
POLS1102 Understanding Global Politics
Incompatibility
POLS5686 International Norms, Ethics and Human Rights
Contact hours
1 x 2 hour online lecture per week.
1 x 1 hour tutorial per week.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.