LAW 557
International Human Rights Law
(Dzah)
Prerequisite courses: LAW506 is recommended
Prerequisite for: None
Instructor: Professor Godwin Dzah
Course credit: 3
Method of presentation: Seminar (combining lectures and discussion)
Teamwork:
METHOD OF EVALUATION
1. Reflection Paper 10%
2. In-Class Activity (e.g., Presentation/Participation) 10%
3. Research Proposal 20%
4. Final Research Paper 60%
The research proposal and final research paper must relate to a topic or an aspect of this seminar.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this seminar, we will attempt to understand the ever-increasing, but constantly contested, role of international law (as well as other modes of regulation and other forms of normativity) in the promotion and protection of human and peoples’ rights across the world. In this respect, this seminar focuses on the international legal protection of human rights (i.e., civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights). This course also engages with issues relating to environmental rights, indigenous rights protection, and the increasing interest in the right to leisure and rest as part of the body of international human rights law. Additionally, we will examine the relationship between business and human rights as a growing concern for international human rights law. We will also study connections between international human rights law and Canadian law, when the opportunity arises.
Students do not need to have taken the Public International Law course as a prerequisite to taking this seminar. The seminar is organized in three broad sections: history and policy on international human rights, norms, processes and institutions on international human rights, and lessons including international human rights activism.
SPECIAL COMMENTS
Description updated 2025-26. Please contact the instructor for any specific questions you may have related to this particular course section.
REQUIRED TEXTS (IF ANY)
1. Philip Alston, International Human Rights: Text and Materials (New York: NYU Law, 2024, open access)
2. TBA – TWEN syllabus/reading list (with links to selected readings).