NCLC 362
Unit Memos for New or Modified Courses Please prepare a memo that covers the following areas. 1. Report that your unit has reviewed and voted on this course, including this memo and all associated material (syllabus, course approval form) in a regular meeting and approved its transmission to the curriculum committee. Yes. 2. Statement of course objectives. What will students learn in the course? In this learning community students will consider the philosophical foundations of human rights, explore the interpretive difficulties relating to identifying what constitutes human rights abuses, and evaluate regional perspectives on human rights. Based on a deeper understandings of these components of global human rights discourses, students will analyze institutions that strive to promote and enforce human rights standards including the United Nations system, regional human rights bodies, and domestic courts. We will also study various human rights issues such as minority rights, women's rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, environmental human rights, and labor rights, by examining a number of legal cases. 3. Statement of need. Why does the unit wish to add this course? This course will be an integral part of the revised Social Justice and Human Rights concentration and the revised International Studies concentration. 4. Relationship to other courses in the unit. How does this course fit into the unit’s curriculum? How is it different from courses already offered? This entirely new course will be an integral part of the revised Social Justice and Human Rights concentration and the revised International Studies concentration. 5. Relationship to other courses in the college or university. What other courses in the college or university are like this course? How does it differ from them? The existing courses related to human rights around the university are: • CONF 394: Human Rights & Inequality • CRIM 308: Human Rights & Justice • GOVT 445: Human Rights Compared to these courses, NCLC 362 is distinct in at least two aspects: 1) analyzes a large number of actual legal cases related to international human rights (as no other courses do); 2) examines the following international human rights topics: human rights and media, disability rights, death penalty, human rights and environment, and labor rights (as no other courses do). 6. Anticipated audience and enrollment for this course. Where possible, try to provide evidence for your estimate of student demand for the course (e.g. past special topics enrollments, growth in an area in the major, etc.) The first time this was offered as a special topics course, the class was over-enrolled (instructor had to force-add students). That is, there is a demand of this course. Also, as this course becomes a core course for the new Social Justice and Human Rights concentration and the revised International Studies concentration, the demand/enrollment will decrease. 7. Faculty able to staff this course. How many members of your faculty could teach this course? Two – three. 8. Anticipated rotation of this course. How often will your unit be teaching this course? Once every year. 9. Provide concentrations or requirements in your unit that this course will fill. This course will be an integral part of the revised Social Justice and Human Rights concentration and the revised International Studies concentration.
For approval of new courses and deletions or modifications to an existing course.
Course Approval Form
registrar.gmu.edu/facultystaff/curriculum
Action Requested:
Course Level:
X Create new course Delete existing course Modify existing course (check all that apply) Title Prereq/coreq Other:
College/School: Submitted by: Subject Code:
Credits Schedule Type
Repeat Status Restrictions
College of Humanities & Social Sciences Kelly Dunne NCLC
X Undergraduate Graduate
Number:
362
Grade Type
Department: Ext: X1454 Effective Term:
New Century College Email: [email protected] X
(Do not list multiple codes or numbers. Each course proposal must have a separate form.)
Title:
Fall Spring Summer
Year
2013
Current Banner (30 characters max including spaces) New International Human Rights
Credits:
X
(check one)
Grade Mode:
Fixed Variable
X
(check one)
3
or to
X
Repeat Status: (check one)
Regular (A, B, C, etc.) Satisfactory/No Credit Special (A, B C, etc. +IP)
Prerequisite(s):
Not Repeatable (NR) Repeatable within degree (RD) Repeatable within term (RT) Lecture (LEC) Lab (LAB) Recitation (RCT) Internship (INT)
Schedule Type Code(s): (check all that apply)
Corequisite(s):
Maximum credits allowed: Independent Study (IND) Seminar (SEM) Studio (STU)
X
Instructional Mode: X
Special Instructions: (list restrictions for major, college, or degree;hard-coding; etc.)
100% face-to-face Hybrid: ≤ 50% electronically delivered 100% electronically delivered
Are there equivalent course(s)? Yes X No If yes, please list
Catalog Copy for NEW Courses Only (Consult University Catalog for models) Description (No more than 60 words, use verb phrases and present tense) Considers the philosophical foundations of human rights, explores the interpretive difficulties relating to identifying what constitutes human rights abuses, and evaluates regional perspectives on human rights. Based on deeper understandings of these components of global human rights discourses, students will analyze institutions that strive to promote and enforce human rights standards including the United Nations system, regional human rights bodies, and domestic courts. Also examines various human rights issues such as minority rights, women's rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, environmental human rights, and labor rights. Indicate number of contact hours: When Offered: (check all that apply)
Notes (List additional information for the course)
Hours of Lecture or Seminar per week: Fall Summer Spring
Hours of Lab or Studio:
Approval Signatures Department Approval
Date
College/School Approval
Date
If this course includes subject matter currently dealt with by any other units, the originating department must circulate this proposal for review by those units and obtain the necessary signatures prior to submission. Failure to do so will delay action on this proposal.
Unit Name
Unit Approval Name
Unit Approver’s Signature
Date
For Graduate Courses Only Graduate Council Member
Provost Office
Graduate Council Approval Date
For Registrar Office’s Use Only: Banner_____________________________Catalog________________________________
revised 2/2/10
Professor Cher Weixia Chen Office: Enterprise Hall 428 Phone: 703-993-4074 Email: [email protected] Office hours: by appointment NCLC 362 International Human Rights Spring, 2012 (Innovation Hall 207, T 10:30-1:15pm) Learning Community Description
In this learning community students will consider the philosophical foundations of human rights, explore the interpretive difficulties relating to identifying what constitutes human rights abuses, and evaluate regional perspectives on human rights. Based on deeper understandings of these components of global human rights discourses, students will analyze institutions that strive to promote and enforce human rights standards including the United Nations system, regional human rights bodies, and domestic courts. We will also study various human rights issues such as minority rights, women's rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, environmental human rights, and labor rights. Student Learning Outcomes • •
•
•
Develop a deeper understanding of what international human rights are, where they come from, and their theoretical and practical significance. (NCC Competency: Global Understanding) Appreciate, respect, and value various perspectives on human rights and effectively communicate the importance of universal human rights standards both orally and in writing. (NCC Competency: Communication) Strengthen the abilities to identify key actors and institutions in the field of international human rights at the local, national and international levels, and to critically evaluate major instruments and provisions of international human rights law. (NCC Competency: Critical Thinking) Learn strategies for civic engagement and social change related to international human rights issues. (NCC Competency: Civic Engagement)
Requirements I.
Class Participation-15%
Throughout the semester, you will be expected and required to not just attend every class but to be fully engaged in every activity as an active learner. This ultimately means that you will be expected to come to class on time and fully prepared by completing all readings and assignments before class, raising well thought-out and intelligent questions during class, and participating in a positive way in class discussions and activities, among other things. In addition, a variety of in-class writings will also factor into your participation grade. If everyone fulfills this course requirement we will not only build a positive classroom environment but a true community of learners. II.
“We’re ? Rights Advocates” Presentation-15% (topic list given on Jan 31)
You will explore a human rights issue from a list of topics to be distributed on Jan 31. You will work in a team of two or three members and present an analysis on that issue in the form of a 15-20 min presentation (at the beginning of each class), in which you will describe, as deeply as possible: 1. the theoretical and historical development of the issue; 2. the practical significance of the issue; 3. any relevant international instruments or legal cases; 4. how various actors including governments, international organizations and NGOs have responded to the issue; and 5. what needs to be done next in order to address this issue and how you and your fellow GMUers should respond to the issue, given adequate resources. You will be expected to inform yourself about the issues you’re discussing by using and citing at least five scholarly sources, not including our readings, relevant to your topic. You will create a presentation to share your research, findings, and recommendations to your classmates. In a visually stimulating and creative format, your presentation should include a synthesis of the elements described above. In addition, you will turn in a brief synopsis (one-page, single-spaced) of your presentation and a separate reference page. This presentation will be graded based on the extent to which you: 1. provide a deep, complex, analysis of the issue; and 2. offer a thoughtful, creative and interactive presentation. III.
Midterm Essay Assignment-15% (instructions given on Feb 28, completed on Mar 06)
You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your learning via a midterm essay assignment. The essay questions will be given to you on Feb 28. IV.
Research Paper-Annotated Bibliography-15% (Feb 21)
Based on the topic you choose for your research paper, you will conduct a preliminary research and complete an annotated bibliography that includes at least 10 SCHOLARLY sources. This assignment will be assessed on the quantity and quality of those sources you provide and the quality of your annotation. V.
Research Paper-Final Product-25% (Apr 24)
You will analyze in a research paper (2000-2500 words) a topic from a list to be distributed. This assignment will be assessed on the extent to which you: 1. offer a clear, concise thesis statement describing the central argument of your essay; 2. provide reason and evidence to support that central argument throughout your essay and address counterarguments; 3. deliver a well-written, organized, and properly-cited essay; and 4. conduct a comprehensive interdisciplinary research and incorporate the literature into your analysis. VI.
Learning Reflective Essay-15% (instructions given on Apr 24, due at midnight, May 04)
You will complete an essay (in around 1000 words), reflecting on the topics and concepts discussed during this learning community and attempting to connect them to some aspect of your current or future life or work. Specific instructions or writing prompts will be provided to you. This is your opportunity to reflect thoughtfully on what we discuss and experience in this learning community. Note, this essay is not meant to be a review of what we did in class or a discussion of what you liked or didn’t like from class. Instead, it’s about finding yourself in the context of the course. This assignment will be assessed on the extent to which you: 1. draw on course concepts, readings, cases, activities, and discussions to strengthen your argument; and 2. demonstrate an attempt to connect those concepts and ideas to your own life and future work. Grading Scale A+ A A-
100-97% 96-93% 92-90%
B+ 89-87% B 86-83% B- 82-80%
C+ 79-77% C 76-73% C- 72-70%
D 69-60% F 59-0%
Required Texts The course readings are on the Blackboard or the web or will be given to you as handouts. Additional readings may be assigned for some current topics. Tentative Schedule Week 1 & 2 Introduction to International Human Rights: Universalism v. Cultural Relativism; Sources of Human Rights Norms; History (Jan 24 & 31) Readings: Jerome Shestack. The Philosophic Foundations of Human Rights. Jack Donnelly. Human Rights and Human Dignity: An Analytic Critique of Non-Western Conceptions of Human Rights. A.A. An-Naim. Toward a Cross-Cultural Approach to Defining International Standards of Human Rights: The Meaning of Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. United Nations Charter (Articles 1, 55 & 56): http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/index.shtml Universal Declaration of Human Rights: http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/ International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/cescr.htm International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/ccpr.htm Film: The Nuremberg Trial. Week 3 United Nations, Regional, and Domestic Human Rights Mechanisms; Litigating Human Rights in Domestic Courts against States and Corporations (Feb 07) Readings: Richard Claude. The Case of Joelito Filartiga and the Clinic of Hope. In re Pinochet (1998/1999). Kadic v. Karadzic (1996). Doe v. Unocal (2005).
Week 4 Human Rights in Extremis: Human Rights In Times of Civil Strife, States of Emergency, and Armed Conflict (Feb 14) Readings: G. I. A. D. Draper. Human Rights and the Law of War. Council of Europe. The Protection of Human Rights in Emergency Situations. Human Rights Committee. States of Emergency-General Comment 29. Four Geneva Conventions. Week 5 Human Rights in Extremis: Human Rights in Times of Terrorism-Torture Revisited (Feb 21) Readings: Mark A. Drumbl. Judging the 11 September Terrorist Attack. Manfred Nowak. What practices Constitute Torture? US and UN Standards. Ireland v. United Kingdom (1978), 2 EHRR 25 (handout). Public Committee against Torture in Israel v. Government of Israel (1999) (handout). Film: The Torture question. Week 6 Implementing International Standards: The Death Penalty (Feb 28) Readings: Manfred Nowak. Is the Death Penalty an Inhuman Punishment? The Soering case (1989). Roper v. Simmons (2005). Week 7 Midterm essay assignment (Mar 06) Week 8
Spring Break
Week 9 Media Coverage of Human Rights: The Use of Images in Human Rights Campaigns; The Role of the Journalists (Mar 20) Readings: Arthur Kleinman & Joan Kleinman. The Appeal of Experience; The Dismay of Images: Cultural Appropriations of Suffering in Our Times. M.D. Kirby and L.J. Jackson. International Humanitarian Law and the Protection of Media Personnel. Jersild v. Denmark (1994). Decision about journalist Jonathan Randal subpoena to testify in war crimes trial-The Randal Case. Week 10 Minority Rights: Equality, Non-discrimination and Religious Freedom, Religious Garb in the Workplace and the Right to Proselytize (Mar 27) Readings: Nigel Rodley (1995). Conceptual Problems in the Protection of Minorities: International Legal Developments. Bhinder v. Canada (1989). Kokkinakis v. Greece (1993).
General Comment No. 23 on Article 27 of the Covenant. Week 11
Women’s Rights: CEADW, FGM, and Honor Killings (Apr 03)
Readings: Rebecca Cook. State Responsibility for Violations of Women’s Human Rights. Sandra D. Lane and Robert A. Rubenstein. Judging the Other: Responding to Traditional Female Genital Surgeries. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Week 12 Disability and Human Rights: International Instruments on Disability; Cross-cultural Interpretations of Disability (Apr 10) Readings: Alison Dundes Renteln. Cross-Cultural Perceptions of Disability: Policy Implications of Divergent Views. Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. General Comment No. 5 (1994) to the Int’l Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural rights – Persons with Disabilities. Film: Sound and Fury. Week 13
Human Rights and the Environment (Apr 17)
Readings: Dinah Shelton. Human Rights and Environment. The “Yanomami” Case, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Case 7615 (Brazil), Resolution No. 12/85, March 5, 1985. The Mayagna (Sumo) Awas Tingni Community v. Nicaragua, Inter-Am. Court of Human Rights (2001). S. James Anaya. Gaining Legal Recognition of Indigenous Land Rights: The Story of the Awas Tingni Case in Nicaragua. Draft Declaration of Principles on Human Rights and the Environment. Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Week 14
Labor Rights as Human Rights (Apr 24)
Readings: Philip Alston. Core Labor Standards and the Transformation of International Labor Rights Regime. Brian Langille. Core Labor Rights-The True Story (Reply to Alston). Saadia Toor. “Child Labor in Pakistan: Coming of Age in the New World Order”. ILO Convention Nos. 29, 87, 98, 100, 105, 111, 138, 182. Week 15 Review and Celebration of Learning (May 01)
Human Rights Organizations Human Right is not an abstract field of study. One way to understand human rights is to familiarize yourselves with the organizations that work in areas of your interest. The Human Rights Internet Reporter details the work of thousands of groups, and almost all groups can be found on the web. A published copy of the latest Reporter can be obtained by faxing a request to (613) 564-4054. Policies and Information All assignments and exams are to be submitted in class (except learning reflective essay which should be submitted through the blackboard) on their respective due dates. Assignments and exams submitted late will be reduced one third of a letter grade (e.g. from B to B-) per day (including Saturdays and Sundays). Absolutely no work will be accepted one week after its due date without a valid written medical excuse or notice of death in the family. All papers must be typed on 8.5” x 11” paper using 12 point Times New Roman font. Multiple pages must be stapled before class. Additionally, all papers and other assignments should be documented properly in accordance with an accepted citation manual (e.g. The Chicago Manual of Style, The APA Manual of Style, The MLA Style Manual). Please arrive at class on time. You are allowed one absence, no questions asked. Because the class is built around interaction and dialogue, attendance is critical. So when you miss more than one class, your grade will be affected. An absence is excused when due to serious illness, religious observance, participation in University activities at the request of University authorities, or compelling circumstances beyond your control. I reserve the right to request evidence when you will be absent for one of these reasons. When you miss class, it is your responsibility to arrange to make up the day’s work. You must approach me about the absence and inquire about ways of making it up. Engaged and respectful dialogue is encouraged. Demeaning, intolerant, and/or disruptive behavior or responses at any time will affect your participation grade. In compliance with a University-wide initiative, I will correspond electronically with students only through their GMU assigned email accounts. Please check your email account regularly for updates and important announcements; checking your email during University closings is especially important as I will alert you to schedule changes via email. You are welcome to bring a laptop to class and use it for class-related purposes. During class you are asked to refrain from using your laptop for purposes not related to class. George Mason University has an Honor Code with clear guidelines regarding academic integrity. Three fundamental principles you must follow at all times are: 1) all work submitted must be your own; 2) when using the work or ideas of others, including fellow students, give full credit through accurate citations; and 3) if you are uncertain about citation rules or assignment guidelines, ask me for clarification. No grade is important enough to justify academic misconduct. If you feel unusual pressure or anxiety about your grade in this or any other course, please let me know and also seek help from University resources. The University provides a range of services to help with test anxiety, writing skills, study skills, personal issues, and related concerns. GMU Student Resources •
Center for Service and Leadership (Center for Leadership and Community Engagement): The Center for Leadership and Community Engagement is a central contact point at George Mason University for information on
• • •
•
experiential learning, service learning, and leadership development. The Center’s webpage provides exciting and useful material including the Student Service Learning Handbook, information on writing learning objectives, instructions on completing a learning objectives contract, and lists of experiential learning opportunities. New Century College On-Line Writing Guide—http://classweb.gmu.edu/nccwg/index.html This on-line guide is tailored specifically to New Century College students. GMU Writing Center: Robinson A116; 993-1200; writingcenter.gmu.edu HYPERLINK "http://writingcenter.gmu.edu" http://writingcenter.gmu.edu Office of Disability Services: Any student with documented learning disabilities or other conditions that may affect academic performance, should: 1) make sure this documentation is on file with the Office of Disability Services (SUB I, Rm. 222; 993-2474) to determine the accommodations you might need; and 2) talk to me to discuss reasonable accommodations. HYPERLINK "http://www.gmu.edu/student/drc" http://www.gmu.edu/student/drc Student Technology Assistance and Resources (STAR) Center: Johnson Center 229; 993-8990; http://www.media.gmu.edu
Diversity Statement New Century College, an intentionally inclusive community, promotes and maintains an equitable and just work and learning environment. We welcome and value individuals and their differences including race, economic status, gender expression and identity, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, first language, religion, age and disability. • • • • •
We value our diverse student body and desire to increase the diversity of our faculty and staff. We commit to supporting students, faculty and staff who have been the victims of bias and discrimination. We promote continuous learning and improvement to create an environment that values diverse points of view and life experiences. We believe that faculty, staff and students play a role in creating an environment that engages diverse points of view. We believe that by fostering their willingness to hear and learn from a variety of sources and viewpoints, our students will gain competence in communication, critical thinking and global understanding, aware of their biases and how they affect their interactions with others and the world.
For more information about NCC’s diversity commitment go to: http://ncc.gmu.edu/about/diversity
For approval of new courses and deletions or modifications to an existing course.
Course Approval Form
registrar.gmu.edu/facultystaff/curriculum
Action Requested:
Course Level:
X Create new course Delete existing course Modify existing course (check all that apply) Title Prereq/coreq Other:
College/School: Submitted by: Subject Code:
Credits Schedule Type
Repeat Status Restrictions
College of Humanities & Social Sciences Kelly Dunne NCLC
X Undergraduate Graduate
Number:
362
Grade Type
Department: Ext: X1454 Effective Term:
New Century College Email: [email protected] X
(Do not list multiple codes or numbers. Each course proposal must have a separate form.)
Title:
Fall Spring Summer
Year
2013
Current Banner (30 characters max including spaces) New International Human Rights
Credits:
X
(check one)
Grade Mode:
Fixed Variable
X
(check one)
3
or to
X
Repeat Status: (check one)
Regular (A, B, C, etc.) Satisfactory/No Credit Special (A, B C, etc. +IP)
Prerequisite(s):
Not Repeatable (NR) Repeatable within degree (RD) Repeatable within term (RT) Lecture (LEC) Lab (LAB) Recitation (RCT) Internship (INT)
Schedule Type Code(s): (check all that apply)
Corequisite(s):
Maximum credits allowed: Independent Study (IND) Seminar (SEM) Studio (STU)
X
Instructional Mode: X
Special Instructions: (list restrictions for major, college, or degree;hard-coding; etc.)
100% face-to-face Hybrid: ≤ 50% electronically delivered 100% electronically delivered
Are there equivalent course(s)? Yes X No If yes, please list
Catalog Copy for NEW Courses Only (Consult University Catalog for models) Description (No more than 60 words, use verb phrases and present tense) Considers the philosophical foundations of human rights, explores the interpretive difficulties relating to identifying what constitutes human rights abuses, and evaluates regional perspectives on human rights. Based on deeper understandings of these components of global human rights discourses, students will analyze institutions that strive to promote and enforce human rights standards including the United Nations system, regional human rights bodies, and domestic courts. Also examines various human rights issues such as minority rights, women's rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, environmental human rights, and labor rights. Indicate number of contact hours: When Offered: (check all that apply)
Notes (List additional information for the course)
Hours of Lecture or Seminar per week: Fall Summer Spring
Hours of Lab or Studio:
Approval Signatures Department Approval
Date
College/School Approval
Date
If this course includes subject matter currently dealt with by any other units, the originating department must circulate this proposal for review by those units and obtain the necessary signatures prior to submission. Failure to do so will delay action on this proposal.
Unit Name
Unit Approval Name
Unit Approver’s Signature
Date
For Graduate Courses Only Graduate Council Member
Provost Office
Graduate Council Approval Date
For Registrar Office’s Use Only: Banner_____________________________Catalog________________________________
revised 2/2/10
Professor Cher Weixia Chen Office: Enterprise Hall 428 Phone: 703-993-4074 Email: [email protected] Office hours: by appointment NCLC 362 International Human Rights Spring, 2012 (Innovation Hall 207, T 10:30-1:15pm) Learning Community Description
In this learning community students will consider the philosophical foundations of human rights, explore the interpretive difficulties relating to identifying what constitutes human rights abuses, and evaluate regional perspectives on human rights. Based on deeper understandings of these components of global human rights discourses, students will analyze institutions that strive to promote and enforce human rights standards including the United Nations system, regional human rights bodies, and domestic courts. We will also study various human rights issues such as minority rights, women's rights, the rights of persons with disabilities, environmental human rights, and labor rights. Student Learning Outcomes • •
•
•
Develop a deeper understanding of what international human rights are, where they come from, and their theoretical and practical significance. (NCC Competency: Global Understanding) Appreciate, respect, and value various perspectives on human rights and effectively communicate the importance of universal human rights standards both orally and in writing. (NCC Competency: Communication) Strengthen the abilities to identify key actors and institutions in the field of international human rights at the local, national and international levels, and to critically evaluate major instruments and provisions of international human rights law. (NCC Competency: Critical Thinking) Learn strategies for civic engagement and social change related to international human rights issues. (NCC Competency: Civic Engagement)
Requirements I.
Class Participation-15%
Throughout the semester, you will be expected and required to not just attend every class but to be fully engaged in every activity as an active learner. This ultimately means that you will be expected to come to class on time and fully prepared by completing all readings and assignments before class, raising well thought-out and intelligent questions during class, and participating in a positive way in class discussions and activities, among other things. In addition, a variety of in-class writings will also factor into your participation grade. If everyone fulfills this course requirement we will not only build a positive classroom environment but a true community of learners. II.
“We’re ? Rights Advocates” Presentation-15% (topic list given on Jan 31)
You will explore a human rights issue from a list of topics to be distributed on Jan 31. You will work in a team of two or three members and present an analysis on that issue in the form of a 15-20 min presentation (at the beginning of each class), in which you will describe, as deeply as possible: 1. the theoretical and historical development of the issue; 2. the practical significance of the issue; 3. any relevant international instruments or legal cases; 4. how various actors including governments, international organizations and NGOs have responded to the issue; and 5. what needs to be done next in order to address this issue and how you and your fellow GMUers should respond to the issue, given adequate resources. You will be expected to inform yourself about the issues you’re discussing by using and citing at least five scholarly sources, not including our readings, relevant to your topic. You will create a presentation to share your research, findings, and recommendations to your classmates. In a visually stimulating and creative format, your presentation should include a synthesis of the elements described above. In addition, you will turn in a brief synopsis (one-page, single-spaced) of your presentation and a separate reference page. This presentation will be graded based on the extent to which you: 1. provide a deep, complex, analysis of the issue; and 2. offer a thoughtful, creative and interactive presentation. III.
Midterm Essay Assignment-15% (instructions given on Feb 28, completed on Mar 06)
You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your learning via a midterm essay assignment. The essay questions will be given to you on Feb 28. IV.
Research Paper-Annotated Bibliography-15% (Feb 21)
Based on the topic you choose for your research paper, you will conduct a preliminary research and complete an annotated bibliography that includes at least 10 SCHOLARLY sources. This assignment will be assessed on the quantity and quality of those sources you provide and the quality of your annotation. V.
Research Paper-Final Product-25% (Apr 24)
You will analyze in a research paper (2000-2500 words) a topic from a list to be distributed. This assignment will be assessed on the extent to which you: 1. offer a clear, concise thesis statement describing the central argument of your essay; 2. provide reason and evidence to support that central argument throughout your essay and address counterarguments; 3. deliver a well-written, organized, and properly-cited essay; and 4. conduct a comprehensive interdisciplinary research and incorporate the literature into your analysis. VI.
Learning Reflective Essay-15% (instructions given on Apr 24, due at midnight, May 04)
You will complete an essay (in around 1000 words), reflecting on the topics and concepts discussed during this learning community and attempting to connect them to some aspect of your current or future life or work. Specific instructions or writing prompts will be provided to you. This is your opportunity to reflect thoughtfully on what we discuss and experience in this learning community. Note, this essay is not meant to be a review of what we did in class or a discussion of what you liked or didn’t like from class. Instead, it’s about finding yourself in the context of the course. This assignment will be assessed on the extent to which you: 1. draw on course concepts, readings, cases, activities, and discussions to strengthen your argument; and 2. demonstrate an attempt to connect those concepts and ideas to your own life and future work. Grading Scale A+ A A-
100-97% 96-93% 92-90%
B+ 89-87% B 86-83% B- 82-80%
C+ 79-77% C 76-73% C- 72-70%
D 69-60% F 59-0%
Required Texts The course readings are on the Blackboard or the web or will be given to you as handouts. Additional readings may be assigned for some current topics. Tentative Schedule Week 1 & 2 Introduction to International Human Rights: Universalism v. Cultural Relativism; Sources of Human Rights Norms; History (Jan 24 & 31) Readings: Jerome Shestack. The Philosophic Foundations of Human Rights. Jack Donnelly. Human Rights and Human Dignity: An Analytic Critique of Non-Western Conceptions of Human Rights. A.A. An-Naim. Toward a Cross-Cultural Approach to Defining International Standards of Human Rights: The Meaning of Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. United Nations Charter (Articles 1, 55 & 56): http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/index.shtml Universal Declaration of Human Rights: http://www.un.org/en/documents/charter/ International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/cescr.htm International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/ccpr.htm Film: The Nuremberg Trial. Week 3 United Nations, Regional, and Domestic Human Rights Mechanisms; Litigating Human Rights in Domestic Courts against States and Corporations (Feb 07) Readings: Richard Claude. The Case of Joelito Filartiga and the Clinic of Hope. In re Pinochet (1998/1999). Kadic v. Karadzic (1996). Doe v. Unocal (2005).
Week 4 Human Rights in Extremis: Human Rights In Times of Civil Strife, States of Emergency, and Armed Conflict (Feb 14) Readings: G. I. A. D. Draper. Human Rights and the Law of War. Council of Europe. The Protection of Human Rights in Emergency Situations. Human Rights Committee. States of Emergency-General Comment 29. Four Geneva Conventions. Week 5 Human Rights in Extremis: Human Rights in Times of Terrorism-Torture Revisited (Feb 21) Readings: Mark A. Drumbl. Judging the 11 September Terrorist Attack. Manfred Nowak. What practices Constitute Torture? US and UN Standards. Ireland v. United Kingdom (1978), 2 EHRR 25 (handout). Public Committee against Torture in Israel v. Government of Israel (1999) (handout). Film: The Torture question. Week 6 Implementing International Standards: The Death Penalty (Feb 28) Readings: Manfred Nowak. Is the Death Penalty an Inhuman Punishment? The Soering case (1989). Roper v. Simmons (2005). Week 7 Midterm essay assignment (Mar 06) Week 8
Spring Break
Week 9 Media Coverage of Human Rights: The Use of Images in Human Rights Campaigns; The Role of the Journalists (Mar 20) Readings: Arthur Kleinman & Joan Kleinman. The Appeal of Experience; The Dismay of Images: Cultural Appropriations of Suffering in Our Times. M.D. Kirby and L.J. Jackson. International Humanitarian Law and the Protection of Media Personnel. Jersild v. Denmark (1994). Decision about journalist Jonathan Randal subpoena to testify in war crimes trial-The Randal Case. Week 10 Minority Rights: Equality, Non-discrimination and Religious Freedom, Religious Garb in the Workplace and the Right to Proselytize (Mar 27) Readings: Nigel Rodley (1995). Conceptual Problems in the Protection of Minorities: International Legal Developments. Bhinder v. Canada (1989). Kokkinakis v. Greece (1993).
General Comment No. 23 on Article 27 of the Covenant. Week 11
Women’s Rights: CEADW, FGM, and Honor Killings (Apr 03)
Readings: Rebecca Cook. State Responsibility for Violations of Women’s Human Rights. Sandra D. Lane and Robert A. Rubenstein. Judging the Other: Responding to Traditional Female Genital Surgeries. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Week 12 Disability and Human Rights: International Instruments on Disability; Cross-cultural Interpretations of Disability (Apr 10) Readings: Alison Dundes Renteln. Cross-Cultural Perceptions of Disability: Policy Implications of Divergent Views. Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. General Comment No. 5 (1994) to the Int’l Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural rights – Persons with Disabilities. Film: Sound and Fury. Week 13
Human Rights and the Environment (Apr 17)
Readings: Dinah Shelton. Human Rights and Environment. The “Yanomami” Case, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Case 7615 (Brazil), Resolution No. 12/85, March 5, 1985. The Mayagna (Sumo) Awas Tingni Community v. Nicaragua, Inter-Am. Court of Human Rights (2001). S. James Anaya. Gaining Legal Recognition of Indigenous Land Rights: The Story of the Awas Tingni Case in Nicaragua. Draft Declaration of Principles on Human Rights and the Environment. Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Week 14
Labor Rights as Human Rights (Apr 24)
Readings: Philip Alston. Core Labor Standards and the Transformation of International Labor Rights Regime. Brian Langille. Core Labor Rights-The True Story (Reply to Alston). Saadia Toor. “Child Labor in Pakistan: Coming of Age in the New World Order”. ILO Convention Nos. 29, 87, 98, 100, 105, 111, 138, 182. Week 15 Review and Celebration of Learning (May 01)
Human Rights Organizations Human Right is not an abstract field of study. One way to understand human rights is to familiarize yourselves with the organizations that work in areas of your interest. The Human Rights Internet Reporter details the work of thousands of groups, and almost all groups can be found on the web. A published copy of the latest Reporter can be obtained by faxing a request to (613) 564-4054. Policies and Information All assignments and exams are to be submitted in class (except learning reflective essay which should be submitted through the blackboard) on their respective due dates. Assignments and exams submitted late will be reduced one third of a letter grade (e.g. from B to B-) per day (including Saturdays and Sundays). Absolutely no work will be accepted one week after its due date without a valid written medical excuse or notice of death in the family. All papers must be typed on 8.5” x 11” paper using 12 point Times New Roman font. Multiple pages must be stapled before class. Additionally, all papers and other assignments should be documented properly in accordance with an accepted citation manual (e.g. The Chicago Manual of Style, The APA Manual of Style, The MLA Style Manual). Please arrive at class on time. You are allowed one absence, no questions asked. Because the class is built around interaction and dialogue, attendance is critical. So when you miss more than one class, your grade will be affected. An absence is excused when due to serious illness, religious observance, participation in University activities at the request of University authorities, or compelling circumstances beyond your control. I reserve the right to request evidence when you will be absent for one of these reasons. When you miss class, it is your responsibility to arrange to make up the day’s work. You must approach me about the absence and inquire about ways of making it up. Engaged and respectful dialogue is encouraged. Demeaning, intolerant, and/or disruptive behavior or responses at any time will affect your participation grade. In compliance with a University-wide initiative, I will correspond electronically with students only through their GMU assigned email accounts. Please check your email account regularly for updates and important announcements; checking your email during University closings is especially important as I will alert you to schedule changes via email. You are welcome to bring a laptop to class and use it for class-related purposes. During class you are asked to refrain from using your laptop for purposes not related to class. George Mason University has an Honor Code with clear guidelines regarding academic integrity. Three fundamental principles you must follow at all times are: 1) all work submitted must be your own; 2) when using the work or ideas of others, including fellow students, give full credit through accurate citations; and 3) if you are uncertain about citation rules or assignment guidelines, ask me for clarification. No grade is important enough to justify academic misconduct. If you feel unusual pressure or anxiety about your grade in this or any other course, please let me know and also seek help from University resources. The University provides a range of services to help with test anxiety, writing skills, study skills, personal issues, and related concerns. GMU Student Resources •
Center for Service and Leadership (Center for Leadership and Community Engagement): The Center for Leadership and Community Engagement is a central contact point at George Mason University for information on
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experiential learning, service learning, and leadership development. The Center’s webpage provides exciting and useful material including the Student Service Learning Handbook, information on writing learning objectives, instructions on completing a learning objectives contract, and lists of experiential learning opportunities. New Century College On-Line Writing Guide—http://classweb.gmu.edu/nccwg/index.html This on-line guide is tailored specifically to New Century College students. GMU Writing Center: Robinson A116; 993-1200; writingcenter.gmu.edu HYPERLINK "http://writingcenter.gmu.edu" http://writingcenter.gmu.edu Office of Disability Services: Any student with documented learning disabilities or other conditions that may affect academic performance, should: 1) make sure this documentation is on file with the Office of Disability Services (SUB I, Rm. 222; 993-2474) to determine the accommodations you might need; and 2) talk to me to discuss reasonable accommodations. HYPERLINK "http://www.gmu.edu/student/drc" http://www.gmu.edu/student/drc Student Technology Assistance and Resources (STAR) Center: Johnson Center 229; 993-8990; http://www.media.gmu.edu
Diversity Statement New Century College, an intentionally inclusive community, promotes and maintains an equitable and just work and learning environment. We welcome and value individuals and their differences including race, economic status, gender expression and identity, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, first language, religion, age and disability. • • • • •
We value our diverse student body and desire to increase the diversity of our faculty and staff. We commit to supporting students, faculty and staff who have been the victims of bias and discrimination. We promote continuous learning and improvement to create an environment that values diverse points of view and life experiences. We believe that faculty, staff and students play a role in creating an environment that engages diverse points of view. We believe that by fostering their willingness to hear and learn from a variety of sources and viewpoints, our students will gain competence in communication, critical thinking and global understanding, aware of their biases and how they affect their interactions with others and the world.
For more information about NCC’s diversity commitment go to: http://ncc.gmu.edu/about/diversity
