Human Rights: Universal Principles in World Politics Business & Communication Program Fall 2017 Semester - Rome

The course provides a survey and analysis of political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of human rights; the problems and challenges of setting and upholding universal standards of respect for international human rights in contemporary world politics. Real-life encounters with guest speakers from the world of politics and representative of minority groups bring the course alive. Particular consideration will be given to the difficult tasks of defining and protecting universal principles of human rights, of considering the different cultural and theoretical approaches to these rights, and of creating effective methods of monitoring and enforcing human rights standards.

The historical, cultural and ideological background of human rights will be reviewed and the specific content and interpretation of today's internationally recognized human rights treaties and conventions will be closely analyzed. Emphasis, therefore, will be placed upon the human rights framework of the United Nations and on the role and significance of the recently created Human Rights Council. The more successful regional and non-governmental attempts to codify and enforce standards of human rights protection will also be studied, and to enhance your progress in this area you will enjoy the unique opportunity to meet and talk with guest speakers from Human Rights organizations in Rome.

This vigorous course offers a range of dynamic activities, from illustrated lectures, class discussions, your own collaborative presentations and personal portfolios to field trips, guest speakers, and film screenings, in order to develop the skills required to critically analyze the processes, concepts and cultural contexts of global human rights. Furthermore, in order to exploit and explore the new and ever-growing range of digital media adopted by international organizations to publicize and further their campaigns, you'll learn how to make extensive personal use of information and communication technology.