Introduction to International Human Rights: Theory, Law and Practice

This course involves critical exploration of what is meant by human rights.

It will investigate the possibility that the international human rights movement, together with the law that underpins it, can provide a universal ethical and legal order.

Theories and Histories of Human Rights

The course begins with an introductory account of the general idea of human rights and of the history of the idea from ancient Greek origins and the Enlightenment to contemporary understandings. Students will be exposed to several enduring human rights critiques and, through a series of case-studies, examine the tensions that the practice of human rights today highlights, such as in the areas of free speech, prohibiting torture, and countering terrorism.

Structures and Standards

The course then turns to assessing the structure and standards that govern international human rights law, beginning with an introduction as to what modern international law is and how it is made. This part of the course will consider the international and regional human rights systems and the range of legal instruments and standards that have been developed.

Key issues in Human Rights

Finally, this intensive course will study selected key issues in international human rights law such as:

- Self-determination
- Poverty and climate change
- Measuring the effectiveness of international human rights institutions
- The application of human rights outside the territory of a state
- Whether international human rights bind non-state actors (e.g. corporations and private organisations).

Course leader

Dr Jo Murkens and Dr Emmanuel Voyiakis

Target group

Undergraduate and Graduate students

Course aim

The intended learning outcome is an informed and critical understanding of contemporary international human rights theory, law and practice.

Credits info

4 EC
Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU). You will need to check with your home institution. Assessment is optional.

Fee info

GBP 2500: Discounts apply when booking multiple courses. LSE Summer School runs three sessions during the summer, and students can book one course per session. Save 32% on your second course and 68% on your third course when booking.