Course descriptions
The field of concentration in Human Rights gives students an understanding of the legal instruments, norms, and institutions that constitute contemporary human rights law, as well as the social movements, cultural practices, and literary and artistic representations that have and continue to imagine the human rights ethic in various ways. In recent years, the human rights dimensions of many of the most vexing and pertinent issues at the global, national, and local level have gained prominence – including the problems of environmental deterioration, economic inequality, and ethnic and religious conflict. Students who major in Human Rights will be better equipped not only to understand the complex nature of these and other issues, but also to develop and pursue novel approaches toward a better world. In addition to studying the manifold histories, theories, and practices of human rights in a systematic and comprehensive manner, students majoring in Human Rights will also develop more specialized methodological and topical expertise in a second discipline.
To complete the Major in Human Rights, students are required to complete an additional, primary major offered in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences or an additional degree program offered in another University School or College. For students completing a double major within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, a minimum of 48 credits without overlap is required to earn both majors and students will receive one degree appropriate to their primary major.
For students completing a dual degree, all requirements for each degree must be met and at least 18 unique additional credits more than the degree with the higher minimum-credit requirement must be completed (e.g. School of Nursing and CLAS, CLAS requires 120 credits to graduate, 120 + 18 = 138 credits to graduate with both degrees) and students will receive a Bachelor of Arts in Human Rights along with another degree appropriate to their second program. All 18 credits for the additional degree must be at the 2000 level or higher.
It is recommended that Human Rights majors declare their primary major by the end of their third semester.
Recommended course: HRTS 1007

