日本語

Course Code etc
Academic Year 2025
College College of Law and Politics
Course Code EX677
Theme・Subtitle Introduction to International Human Rights Law
Class Format Face to face (all classes are face-to-face)
Class Format (Supplementary Items)
Campus Seminar
Campus Ikebukuro
Semester Fall semester
DayPeriod・Room Thu.3
ログインして教室を表示する(Log in to view the classrooms.)
Credits 2
Course Number LPX2911
Language English
Class Registration Method "Other" Registration
Assigned Year 配当年次は開講学部のR Guideに掲載している科目表で確認してください。
Prerequisite Regulations
Acceptance of Other Colleges 履修登録システムの『他学部・他研究科履修不許可科目一覧』で確認してください。
Course Cancellation 〇(履修中止可/ Eligible for cancellation)
Online Classes Subject to 60-Credit Upper Limit
Relationship with Degree Policy 各授業科目は、学部・研究科の定める学位授与方針(DP)や教育課程編成の方針(CP)に基づき、カリキュラム上に配置されています。詳細はカリキュラム・マップで確認することができます。
Notes

【Course Objectives】

This course provides an introduction to international human rights and addresses some of the current challenges in the field. Human rights have been described as "the last utopia," representing humanity's last universal aspiration for justice and equality. While this vision inspires hope and places trust in the potential of a universal system, it also poses challenges and can lead to frustration when expectations remain unmet. International human rights law requires constant effort and advocacy to maintain its relevance and enforceability.

The main objective of this course is to understand the international structure of the human rights system and to analyze various issues from a human rights perspective.

The course focuses on the legal aspects of the international human rights system, exploring its organization, relevant laws, and methods for analyzing them to address different viewpoints. To achieve this, the class adopts three main approaches. First, students will learn about the structure of international organizations, particularly the United Nations, to understand how the international human rights system operates. Second, the course will cover key human rights laws and instruments that are integral to the international framework. Finally, students will learn how to apply these laws to real-world cases and issues, as well as how to "think like a lawyer" in human rights matters.

This course is designed to help students understand the organization of the human rights system, teach the main international human rights laws, and develop skills for analyzing these laws. Additionally, students will learn how to effectively advocate for their own interests or those of their clients.

Additionally, this course provides introductory knowledge for anyone interested in pursuing a career in international organizations, human rights non-profit organizations (NPOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or the public sector.

Everyone is welcome to enroll; there are no prerequisites for this course. Upper-year and exchange students are encouraged to participate, and students from all backgrounds can join the class.

In a nutshell, the seminar has the following objectives:
a. Students will understand the structure and role of international organizations, with a focus on the United Nations, in the human rights system.
b. Students will gain familiarity with key international human rights instruments and their practical significance.
c. Students will develop the ability to analyze and apply human rights laws to real-world cases and challenges.
d. Students will enhance their advocacy skills, preparing them for roles in international organizations, human rights NPOs/NGOs, or governmental sectors.

【Course Contents】

The course begins with a brief overview of the history of human rights and the development of the current international system. It then provides a simple overview of key aspects of international law, equipping students with the necessary knowledge to follow the class. Additionally, the course will explore how to analyze real-life human rights issues from a legal perspective, recognize various viewpoints, and formulate legal arguments in human rights cases.

Following this introductory phase, the course will examine in detail the United Nations bodies involved in human rights. It will cover all human rights components of the United Nations Charter—the foundational document of the U.N.—. The seminar will also focus on specific bodies such as the Security Council, the Human Rights Council, and the Human Rights Committee, among others. Students will also have the opportunity to study peacekeeping operations.

The third section of the course delves into the main human rights laws within the United Nations system, particularly the International Bill of Rights, which includes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Students will engage with various key human rights instruments of the United Nations.

After discussing the United Nations (if time allows), the course will shift its focus to local (regional) human rights systems in Europe and the Americas. This section will cover the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as the Organization of American States and the American Convention on Human Rights. The seminar will also discuss a potential Asian system of human rights.

Finally, the course will address how to analyze these international laws in real-life situations, providing students with the advocacy skills necessary for practical work in the field.

Class contents will include discussions of human rights violations. Please be aware sensitive topics can be discussed.

Japanese Items

【授業計画 / Course Schedule】

1 Week 1: Introduction and What are Human Rights?
2 Week 2: Evolution of Human Rights & Human Rights in Practice
3 Week 3: An Introduction to International Law (Subjects of International Law)
4 Week 4: An Introduction to International Law (Sources of International Law)
5 Week 5: The United Nations Human Rights System (Part 1)
6 Week 6: The United Nations Human Rights System (Part 2)
7 Week 7: The UN’s Human Rights Instruments (The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Human Rights Treaty System)
8 Week 8: The UN’s Human Rights Instruments (The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights & the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights)
9 Week 9: The European Human Rights System (The Council of Europe)
10 Week 10: The European System (The European Convention on Human Rights)
11 Week 11: The European System & Discussions
12 Week 12: Human Rights in the Americas - The Inter-American Human Rights System (Part 1)
13 Week 13: Human Rights in the Americas - The Inter-American Human Rights System (Part 2)
14 Week 14: The Asian and African Human Rights Systems & Course Wrap-Up

【活用される授業方法 / Teaching Methods Used】

板書 /Writing on the Board
スライド(パワーポイント等)の使用 /Slides (PowerPoint, etc.)
上記以外の視聴覚教材の使用 /Audiovisual Materials Other than Those Listed Above
個人発表 /Individual Presentations
グループ発表 /Group Presentations
ディスカッション・ディベート /Discussion/Debate
実技・実習・実験 /Practicum/Experiments/Practical Training
学内の教室外施設の利用 /Use of On-Campus Facilities Outside the Classroom
校外実習・フィールドワーク /Field Work
上記いずれも用いない予定 /None of the above

【授業時間外(予習・復習等)の学修 / Study Required Outside of Class】

Students are expected to spend about 110 minutes per week on required and optional readings, assignments, and others.

【成績評価方法・基準 / Evaluation】

種類 (Kind)割合 (%)基準 (Criteria)
平常点 (In-class Points)100 In-Class Participation(60%)
Take-Home Final Report (40%)
備考 (Notes)

【テキスト / Textbooks】

その他 (Others)
All materials will be provided online (on Canvas).

【参考文献 / Readings】

No著者名 (Author/Editor)書籍名 (Title)出版社 (Publisher)出版年 (Date)ISBN/ISSN
1 Rhona K.M. Smith International Human Rights Law Oxford University Press 2020

【履修にあたって求められる能力 / Abilities Required to Take the Course】

Since this is an introductory course, no prior legal knowledge is required. Upper-year and exchange students are encouraged to join. Students from the Faculty of Law, the International Business Law Program, the Global Law Program, and other departments at Rikkyo University are all welcome.
Additionally, the instructor is committed to accommodating and supporting students who may feel unsure about their English language skills.
A suitable English language proficiency level is a minimum of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

【学生が準備すべき機器等 / Equipment, etc., that Students Should Prepare】

【その他 / Others】

採用人数/Number of students:45名程度/Approximately 45 students
配当年次/Eligible year:2~4年次/2nd - 4th year
選考方法/Selection method:申請のみ/ Application Only
※Please apply according to the guidelines (ガイドラインに沿って申請してください)
※Lottery in the case of a large number of applicants

【注意事項 / Notice】