The contemporary human rights discourse has a significant influence on politics, international relations and trade. While reference is often made to the major international human rights instruments, and their legal implications, little attention is given to the moral and religious undergirding of the rights which are increasingly asserted.

The Understanding Human Rights course seeks to correct this. The course examines the notion of rights from its origins in philosophy and religion to contemporary usage. Although concentrating on Western ideas, it also explores the notion of rights in non-Western religions and societies. It investigates the major historic documents relating to the protection of rights, and the development of some important international human rights instruments. It looks into the different generations of rights and whether they are adequately protected. It also examines Australia’s approach to human rights protection.

The course introduces students to Public International Law, especially in the area of International Human Rights Law, and touches on some of the controversies surrounding recent developments in International Humanitarian Law, including the notion of the 'Responsibility to Protect'.

Since a great deal of human rights language has a distinctly Western bias, the course examines issues such as universalism, cultural relativism and pluralism. It also explores the relationship between rights and responsibilities, and the implications of this for contemporary notions of human rights.

Finally, in an age of increasing globalisation, and ethnic and religious assertiveness, it asks whether the current human rights language is adequate to sustain a continuing human rights discourse, and looks at alternatives.

The course will take an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, studies in religion and law.

More information can be found on the Course Outline Website.