CRS43015

The phrase 'human rights' has become a staple in social justice organizing; it is evoked when discussing a wide range of issues related to police states, free speech, genocide, gender-based rights, and Western imperialism. Yet the meaning and impact of this important concept are often not carefully considered. This course critically examines the history of human rights discourse and how it has become so central in world politics today. Students will explore the possibilities and pitfalls of drawing on 'human rights' as an organizing strategy in part by developing a human rights campaign around a current issue.