PS531, The International Law of Human Rights
Fall Semester 2004
Problem Essay #1
The Evolution of Human Rights
(Covers Weeks 1-6)
Paul Lauren writes in The Evolution of International Human Rights: Visions Seen the following
"Among all these visions, perhaps none have had impact across the globe more profound than those of human rights advocates." (p. 1)
Your assignment for Problem Essay #1 is to elaborate on this idea in two ways:
First, describe the some of the most significant historical landmarks (such as major philosophies, documents, declarations, treaties, institutions) in the advancement of human rights over the past two or three centuries up to the present (don't shortchange the recent past).
Second, for each of these these historical landmarks explain how what Lauren refers to as the "events of consequence," such as tyranny or wars, stimulated efforts to articulate and promote human rights.
Your paper should written by you exclusively for this course. You may use your books and class notes, but you are NOT to discuss your specific responses with classmates before submitting your essay. Where relevant, include citations from the course readings. You are NOT expected to do any additional reading or research beyond what has been assigned in the course thus far. This is an exercise in integrating insights that you have gained from the course.
Your essay should be in the 7-10 page range (double-spaced with normal size 12 point font).
No footnotes or bibliography are necessary. Where you are referring to specific ideas from the readings, simply insert the author and page number in parentheses in the text. For example, (Lauren, p. 128).
Grades will take into account both content and composition. A review of the suggestions on Writing a Good Term Paper (course website) is recommended.
Your essay is due no later than 5:00 PM, Wednesday, October 13, 2004. It may be submitted electronically (as an attachment to email) or in hard copy. If submitted in hard copy, simply staple the pages to hold them together---no binders or covers please! Be sure to keep a backup copy of your paper!