BMET 27A79 - Human rights after 9/11

This course will examine the impact that key laws and policies adopted in the US and other countries after the 9/11 attacks have had globally on the rule of law, international human rights and, where applicable, international humanitarian law, (the law of armed conflict). Among the topics that students will explore are: can respect for human rights actually assist counter-terrorism efforts? Are past experiences with terrorism relevant to the contemporary terrorist threat? Should terrorist suspects ever be subjected to torture? What are the significance and consequences of the US War on Terror? Have the enhanced powers of intelligence services world-wide and intelligence sharing contributed to serious human rights violations, such as torture? What impact have counter-terrorism measures had on civil liberties?

This course will be taught ONLY in English

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS

The course expectations encompass fostering critical thinking skills and a nuanced understanding of the politics of human rights, particularly as they pertain to the Western world's interactions with the global South, including the Middle East. Students are encouraged to critically examine the complexities surrounding Western policies, interventions, and human rights practices in these regions. The aim is to develop an insightful awareness of the geopolitical factors influencing human rights dynamics, enabling students to analyze, question, and evaluate the impact of these interactions

Starting week 2, a group of students will write an individual reaction essay of the readings. This reaction essay must be no longer than 2000 words. It should include an introduction where the author discusses an idea or set of ideas of the readings that are controversial, interesting, or related in some way to contemporary discussions to the geographical location of their choice. It should also incorporate a body of a few paragraphs where the main idea is developed, as well as a conclusion. The text must be uploaded on moodle by midnight the Sunday prior to the course session. Students are expected to discuss or answer questions about their essays in class. Essay topics will be assigned the first day of class. This essay will represent 25% of the grade. Commencing from the second week, a pair of students will be tasked with delivering a 15-minute presentation addressing the author's arguments while emphasizing the inherent tension between law and political discourse.

The culminating evaluation involves the submission of a 5000-word essay in week 11. Details regarding the methodology and expectations will be deliberated in week 4. This essay will represent 40% of the final grade.

10% for in-class participation