OCAM 1015 - Politics of Transitional Justice: Latin America Case Study

This course provides both a conceptual and an empirical overview of processes of transitional justice in Latin America. It introduces students to the principal analytical debates in the field of transitional justice, it examines the role of human rights in the transition from authoritarian to democratic forms of governance, and it assesses the nature and implications of trends towards the transnationalisation of justice and their impact in the region. It examines the evolution over time of transitional justice trends in Latin America and assesses to what extent transitional justice “works”.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate their understanding of the historical and political context in which transitional justice developed as field of policy and practice in Latin America and beyond

2. Demonstrate their understanding of international human rights standards and institutions and apply them to transitional justice, including their history and evolution

3. Analyse the politics of transitional justice as it interacts with broader processes of transition to democracy, conflict resolution and peace-building in Latin America

4. Demonstrate their understanding of the role of the various actors involved in transitional justice

5. Evaluate the impact of transitional justice processes on democracy and human rights in contemporary Latin America

6. Actively engage in critical debates on emerging issues relating to transitional justice in Latin America and beyond

Professional Skills

1.Development of effective written and oral communication

2. Strengthening of analytical skills through processing and synthesizing of cutting-edge research findings

3. Enhancing critical thinking through engagement with concrete ethical and political dilemmas and policy scenarios

4. Development of advocacy skills through evaluation of empirically grounded and theoretically informed policy analysis

Par ENGSTROM

Séminaire

English

- Reading and Preparation for Class: 5 hours a week / 60 hours a semester

- Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 66 hours a semester

None. Prior study of human rights and knowledge of Latin America would be beneficial, but not required.

Autumn 2021-2022

Seminar participation (10%)

Final essay – 4,000 words (90%). Students may design their own essay question on any relevant topic in consultation with the course tutor. Due at the end of the course.

Students will be invited to submit essay plans to the course tutor for comments and feedback in advance of essay submission deadline. Non-assessed tasks and participatory activities will take place throughout term