Human Rights and Global Justice

3 Credits.

This course investigates the norms, rules, and institutions associated with efforts to achieve international and global justice. We begin with arguably the most familiar vehicle for moral advocacy and global justice in the latter part of the twentieth century: international human rights. Readings consider both the achievements and limitations of human rights ideas and institutions. The second part of the course then reflects on the more ambitious question of what global justice could and should look like in the future. The course will address liberal theories as well as critical perspectives, including those concerned with the experiences and struggles of marginalized groups and societies. Readings and discussions will address various pressing topics in global affairs, which may include: food insecurity, humanitarian crises, climate change, racism, global health, migration, and artificial intelligence. Students will complete the course with a deeper understanding of the challenges associated with using rights-based instruments and institutions to remedy global injustices with complex social, cultural, economic, and political underpinnings.