OADH 4125 - Gender and Human Rights

This course examines the human rights framework through a gender lens, taking into consideration intersecting relations of power such as race, class and sexualities. It deploys interdisciplinary perspectives on human rights standards and principles; rights and citizenship; international conflict and the study of war and peace; international organizations and international law; globalization and international political economy; migration and asylum; gender equality and sustainable development; feminities/masculinities, sexualities and sexual rights; as well as international social movements and advocacy networks.

Students will be able to explain and use key concepts in the theory and practice of gender and human rights, to understand the gendered nature of human rights principles and norms in the international system, to critically assess the gender aspects and consequences of humanitarian assistance, to formulate a research problem and to draw on a variety of sources of information.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Explain, discuss and use key concepts in the theory and practice of gender; human rights and humanitarian assistance
• Apply key concepts, thematic and conceptual debates to specific case studies
• Identify and critically analyse the gendered dimension of human rights principles and norms in the international system

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

• Critical thinking
• Research and analysis
• Understanding stakeholders
• Gender analysis

Feedback on class exercises is provided in class on the day of the presentation (e.g., the News Brief presentation). Feedback on the policy paper (midterm exam) and the individual essay (final exam) is sent to students by email within two weeks of the submission deadline.

To validate the course, the student is expected to pass the following assignments:

• Students will write one essay of approximately 3000 words answering questions related to the topics dealt with in the seminar (50% of the final mark).
• present cases studies and other materials assigned for specific classes (40% of the final grade).

• In‑class attendance: 24 hours
• Reading, class preparation, and weekly review: 3-4 hours per week or 36-48 hours over the semester
• Individual essay (final exam) : 40-50 hours over the semester
• Collective policy paper (mid-term exam) : 20-30 hours over the semester