Course Overview

This course is composed of three parts. Part I “Invitation to International Human Rights Law” covers the basics of humanity, international society and international law. Part II “Basics of International Human Rights Law” discusses the basics of international human rights law such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenants on Human Rights. Part III “Issues” deals with issues in international human rights law such as women, children, refugees and stateless persons. In the third part, students may be required to make an oral presentation depends on the number of students.

Learning Achievement

1. Be able to understand the basics of international human rights law and analyse international issues from the perspective of international human rights law.
2. Be able to identify the significance and limitation of international human rights law.

Competence

This course is designed to develop the following competencies.

General-propose competencies
- Communication ability
- Critical and creative thinking skills
- Internationalism and broad views of things
- Team-working, independence, autonomy

Special competencies
- Understanding international relations
- Multidisciplinary Knowledge
- Fundamentals of negotiation skills
- Policy-related fundamental skills
- Cross-cultural awareness skills
- Project analysis and completion skills

Course prerequisites

Students should have a passion for learning international human rights law in English. Prior learning experiences of international law or in English is not required.

Grading Philosophy

Contribution to discussion (20%), Presentation (30%), 2000-word Final Paper (50%)
This may change depends on the number of students upon consultation with them.

Course schedule

The contents of this course are subject to change upon consultation with students.
Part I “Invitation to International Human Rights Law”: Lessons 1-8
Part II “Basics of International Human Rights Law”: Lessons 9-10
Part III “Issues”: Lessons 11-18
Part IV "Wrap-up": Lessons 19-20
Introduction
What are Human Rights?
Why does “Human” Rights Matter?
Introduction to International Society
Introduction to International Law
History of Human Rights in Constitutional Law and International Law
TSUKUBA Lecture on Constitutional Law (Lecture)
TSUKUBA Lecture on Constitutional Law (Q&A)
United Nations (UN) and Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
International Covenants on Human Rights
Women’s Rights
Women’s Rights in Reality
Children’s Rights
Children’s Rights in Reality
Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Reality
Refugees and Stateless Persons
Nationality as Human Rights
Current Topics in International Human Rights Law: Ukraine (tentative)
Wrap-up Discussion: “Human Rights” as a discriminatory concept?
Schedule is subject to change depending on the schedule of the lecturer of "TSUKUBA Lecture on Constitutional Law" (TEAMS Code: pus707s).

Course type

Lectures

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

AKIYAMA Hajime

Other information

You can use the self-registration function of manaba.
Registration key is "1462100".

Check manaba and university email frequently since the instructor may contact you.

Students in any college, school, or programme interested in international human rights law are welcome to take this course.
As a non-native English speaker, the instructor welcomes students who are not confident about their English skills. He will assist students in writing the final paper as well.
He also welcomes students with disabilities. He tries his best to make this class inclusive. This class will use live transcription and closed caption functions. If you need further assistance, please let him know.

It is students’ privilege to use faculty members, so feel free to talk to the instructor and ask any questions.

Site for Inquiry

Link to the syllabus provided by the university