日本語

Course Code etc
Academic Year 2026
College College of Law and Politics
Course Code EX892
Theme・Subtitle 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。
https://www.rikkyo.ac.jp/about/disclosure/educational_policy/lp.html
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, it also poses challenges and can lead to frustration when expectations are not met. International human rights law requires constant effort to maintain its relevance and enforceability.

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. 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.

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, introductory overview of the sources of international law for students without a background in the field. After, the course focuses on the history of human rights and the development of the current international system.

Following this introductory phase, the course will examine in detail the United Nations bodies involved in human rights. It will cover the human rights components of the United Nations Charter. The seminar will also focus on specific bodies, including the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, and the Human Rights Committee. Students will also have the opportunity to study peacekeeping operations.

The third section of the course addresses 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.

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

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

Japanese Items

【授業計画 / Course Schedule】

1 Week 1: Class Introduction and Sources of International Law
2 Week 2: A Short History of Human Rights
3 Week 3: The UN’s Human Rights System (The Security Council)
4 Week 4: The UN’s Human Rights System (The General Assembly & ECOSOC)
5 Week 5: The UN’s Human Rights System (The Human Rights Council)
6 Week 6: The UN’s Human Rights Instruments (The Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
7 Week 7: The UN’s Human Rights Treaty System - An Introduction
8 Week 8: International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
9 Week 9: The UN’s Treaty System: The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
10 Week 10: The European Human Rights System (The Council of Europe)
11 Week 11: The European System (The European Court of Human Rights)
12 Week 12: The Inter-American Human Rights System (The American Convention)
13 Week 13: The Asian and African Human Rights Systems
14 Week 14: Class Wrap-Up and In-Class Written Test

【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(30%)
In-Class Test 1(30%)
In-Class Final Test(40%)
備考 (Notes)

【テキスト / Textbooks】

その他 (Others)
Recommended Textbook: Rhona K.M. Smith, International Human Rights Law. Oxford University Press, 2020.

Other materials will be provided online or distributed in class.

【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】

Students should be motivated to study law in English. Those interested in human rights and related topics are especially encouraged to join this course. As this is a seminar, students are expected to contribute to class discussions and share their perspectives.

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

Students are encouraged to use laptops or tablets during class. Those without access may request accommodation from the instructor.

【その他 / Others】

【注意事項 / Notice】

A suitable English language proficiency level is a minimum of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.