LW3IHR-International Human Rights Law

Module Provider: School of Law
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Alison Bisset
Email: a.j.bisset@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides students with an introduction to International Human Rights Law.

Aims:

This module aims to provide students with a core knowledge of the principal international human rights treaties, conventions and resolutions concluded under the auspices of the United Nations and to introduce them to the international systems that operate to ensure the enforcement, implementation and monitoring of international human rights standards. The module will also explore current issues of controversy in international human rights law.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, students should be able to work with the major international human rights instruments, compare and contrast the different techniques for enforcement of international human rights law and apply critical perspectives to international human rights law. They should have, additionally, developed an appreciation of the nature and scale of the efforts to protect human rights at the international level.

Additional outcomes:

In addition to those listed in the School’s ‘core skills statement’, the module aims to further develop written and oral communication skills and will rely heavily on the reading and critical evaluation of both primary and secondary source material.

Outline content:

• Origins of the United Nations Human Rights Programme. • The United Nations Charter and the Institutional Framework of the Human Rights Organs. • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948. • The International Covenants 1966. • The United Nations Human Rights Complaints Procedure. • Current issues in International Human Rights Law.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

25 hours of lectures in the Autumn Term and five small-group tutorials in the Spring Term for which students will be expected to prepare topics for group discussion.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	25
Tutorials		5
Guided independent study:	75	95
Total hours by term	100	100
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Written assignment including essay	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

There will be one, two-hour examination counting for 60% of the marks. Two questions to be answered from a selection.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One piece of assessed course work of no more than 6 pages formatted in accordance with the School of Law assessed work rules. This will count for 40% of the marks.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:
See School Guide (Programme Assessment).

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023