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2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LAW2143 Foundations of International Human Rights Law

10 creditsClass Size: 18

Module manager: Dr Ilias Trispiotis
Email: I.Trispiotis@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

This module is mutually exclusive with

LAW2142International Human Rights Law

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module will lay the foundations for the study of international human rights in relation to civil and political rights. Within the framework of international law, the subject matter will explore the United Nations led treaty and Charter based models of standard-setting and monitoring of human rights obligations accepted by States. It will examine also some significant regional human rights bodies such as the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights. The module will consider the right to life (in particular the question of the death penalty) and the prohibition of torture. It approaches these contemporary problems by considering how international human rights law is applied and questions whether it comprises a developed system of law.

Objectives

On completion of this module the students will be expected to have a thorough understanding of the applicable rules and legal procedures in the areas studied and be able to propose arguable solutions to concrete problems (either actual or hypothetical) in light of such analysis.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to:
- discuss and assess the concept of individual rights in international law;
- describe and evaluate the legal basis and function of the UN Human Rights Council as well as other treaty bodies;
- discuss and evaluate a number of overarching concepts of general international;
- identify, discuss and assess a number of substantive rights and their application in particular situations.


Syllabus

The idea of international human rights
The human rights systems of the UN, Council of Europe, the African and American Human Rights Commissions
The Right to Life
The Prohibition of Torture

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture101.0010.00
Seminar31.504.50
Private study hours85.50
Total Contact hours14.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

The students will be expected in assessed work to show understanding of key concepts and law-making in international law. They will be expected to apply these concepts and analyse them to specific questions and scenerios. The marking of assessed work will clearly reward good and well developed argument, hence they will be required to carry out independent research and develop their own critical thinking.

50 hours - 10 hours reading and reflection following each lecture.
50 hours - preparation for writing essay.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

The module will be assessed through 1 x 2,500 word essay (100%).



Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay1 x 2,500-word essay100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 30/04/2019

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