PS531, The International Law of Human Rights
Fall Semester 2004
Problem Essay #2
Advancing Human Rights: The Continuing Challenge
Covers Weeks 7-13
You should elect one of the following two options for your second problem essay.
Option A
In the concluding chapter of his book The International Evolution of Human Rights, Paul Lauren observes the following:
Phenomenal accomplishments have been realized, especially during the last fifty years, following the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While recognizing how far the world has come, of course, it also is important to acknowledge how far it still has to go. Problems tenaciously persist, and not all issues of human rights are resolved and not all difficulties are solved. Abuses still occur, and at times there even appears to be retrogression. There thus remains what has been called "the unfinished ethical agenda of our time" and the unfinished revolution--the revolution of placing the human person squarely at the center of national and international values." (pp. 297-98)
If you elect this option, your assignment is to critically comment on the quotation from Lauren. . You may organize your paper as you like, but these are some questions you might address:
What significant treaties or declarations have been adopted and international institutions or bodies have been established to promote human rights since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948?
What procedures have been adopted to monitor the compliance of nations with the human rights treaties that they have advocated?
What types of roles have nongovernmental organizations, such as Amnesty International, played in furthering the vision and implementation of human rights?
What role has the United States played (or not played) in the development and implementation of international human rights law during the period?
In what ways is advancement of human rights an "unfinished revolution"?
Option B
Alternatively, you develop your own topic for the second problem essay, so long as it lends itself to an analysis of content of the last half of the course. If so, it is advisable to clear your topic with the instructor before beginning to write on it.
Specifications
Specifications
Your essay should be in the 7-10 page range (double-spaced with normal size 12 point font).
Your essay should make specific references to at least three of the student presentations other than your own.
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.
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.
Your essay is due no later than Monday, December 6, 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!
Regardless of how you submit your paper, be sure it has the following:
- your name
- page numbers