Main Field of Study and progress level:
Law: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Grading scale: Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail
Responsible department: Department of Law
Contents
- Basic public international law including theories and methods
- the relation of human rights to general international law
- the role of the United Nations for the protection of human rights
- how human rights are protected in Europe
- how human rights are understood and protected in other regions of the world
- the role of non-governmental organizations for the protection of human rights
- the international protection in certain fields like of women, children and refugees
- protection of the environment as a third generation of human rights
Training of construction of legal argumentation of human rights law in written form and how to present it orally in human rights fora.
All aspects of this course, including the examination, are conducted in English.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student shall have
advanced knowledge of the position of human rights in the context of general international law
advanced knowledge of global and regional systems for the protection of human rights
the ability to identify, analyse and argue a human right case in an international forum
Required Knowledge
Univ.: A minimum of 90 university credits in one main field of social sciences studies, including an individual essay carrying at least 15 university credits, or 120 university credits from the Law Programme, or equivalent qualifications. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT
(Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section).
Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
Form of instruction
The teaching consists of three blocks. The first block, comprises general public international law issues, and is taught via traditional lectures. The second block comprises human rights and is taught in the form of seminars by teachers and practitioners specialized in the different areas. The third block consists of the preparation by the students of their arguments or court decision presented in written and oral form during a fictitious dispute settlement procedure that ends the course. A student who has been accepted and registered for the course has the right to teaching and guidance only during the term/academic year when he/she was accepted and registered.
Examination modes
Students are required to attend seminars and the fictitious dispute settlement procedure (moot court) in order to pass the course. The formal examination consists of 1) a written exam (at the University) and 2) the written (approximately 5 pages) and oral argumentations or court decision presented during the moot court. The latter part will award 0-3 credits (0= pass, 1= satisfactory, 2=good, 3= excellent) which will be added to the results of the written exam. Erasmus students not in Sweden at the time of the moot court may be exempted from the oral part. Grades given are Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with Distinction (VG)
When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher.
A written request should be handed in to the director of undergraduate studies.
Transfers
Students have the right to apply to have a previous education or experience evaluated for transfer of credits. For more information, see:
www.umu.se/studentcentrum/regler_riktlinjer/index.html
Literature
Valid from:
2011 week 3
Cassese Antonio International law 2. ed. : Oxford : Oxford University Press : 2005 : liii, 558 s. : ISBN: 0-19-925939-9 Mandatory Search the University Library catalogue
Smith Rhona K. M Textbook on international human rights 3. ed. : Oxford : Oxford University Press : 2007 : xxxiii, 367 s. : ISBN: 978-0-19-928939-4 (pbk.) Mandatory Search the University Library catalogue
