human rights and international studies - american … · · 2016-04-29human rights and...

Human Rights and International Studies Spring 2014

Monday and Wednesday 18:00 – 19:50

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Human Rights and International Studies

http://www.socioloyofhumanrights.org SEMINAR: INTL 407

Instructor: Tugrul Keskin Office: 333 East Hall International Studies Office Phone: 503-725-3495 E-mail: [email protected] Office Hours: Tuesday 1:00 PM – 4 PM or by appointment (PLEASE include “Human Rights” in the subject line) Course Description and Objective: Over the last few decades, some concepts have become very popularized as a consequence of increased technological advancement and global market conditions, and their implications on human society. These include democracy, human rights, freedom, free elections, minority and immigrant rights, freedom of expression, religious freedom, academic freedom, and other related concepts. However, each of these terms holds vague meaning to those who seek freedom, human rights, democracy, and so on. Most importantly, these terms have been commodified in the marketplace. State actors, organizations, academicians and activists have also politicized these terms, resulting in careers based on the political usage and interests of those wielding power to decide what constitutes human rights. Human Rights ideology represents a political opportunity structure for many political and social groups and plays a major role in world politics today, especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In this class, we will critically review and analyze the history of human rights in the larger context of globalization and power politics that determine how these concepts are understood and applied. This course provides an alternative overview of the definitions, history and development of Human Rights in the Western and Non-Western contexts.



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In this class, we will explore the meanings, definitions, history, and development of Human Rights and its place in world politics from a sociological perspective. The sociological approach is different than political science and law because while they each see these as ascribed rights that come with birth, the field of Sociology takes into account the power relationships that are built into the understandings and the differential usage of the concept of Human Rights. Sociology also accounts for the cultural, societal and historical context in which the discussion of Human Rights arises. Hence, this class will be taught from the perspective of society and culture, not through the lense of a particular set of laws and regulations. In this context, when we read the Human Rights violations reports published by HRW, AI or the US State Department Human Rights reports, we need to critically approach each subject when we examine highly politicized human rights issues in East Timor, Kashmir, Tibet, Xinjiang (Eastern Turkistan), Rwanda, Israel/Palestine and Europe. Because of the politicization and commodification of Human Rights, it is very difficult to create an objective and contextual approach to issues such as the Kurds, Palestinians, Uighurs, Mexican immigrants in the US, Turkish Immigrants in Germany, Arabs in the US, among other examples. How can we improve women’s rights in Afghanistan? Who defines these rights? Why are there different approaches and definitions of Human Rights and where do those differences arise from?

The concept of Human Rights is embedded in the European and American framework of neo-colonialism and in this context, it has been commodified by the market conditions of capitalism. The colonial legacy of Europe created unintended consequences such as the dictatorial regimes, cheap labor, and reactionary conservative and religious social and political movements in the former colonies. These conditions led to the human right problems and abuses in those countries we see today. Europe and the US now exploit these weaknesses to benefit of American and European economic interests. This dynamic



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became obvious after the Reagan Administration came to power in the US. In this process, we have witnessed the emergence of the human rights industry in the West. Learning Outcomes (Tugrul Keskin): By the end of the course, you will have enhanced your:

§ Critical thinking in relation to international studies and sociology § Ability to question dogmas and taboos in today’s societies § Consciousness of differing perspectives and diversity § Understanding of world issues and trends § Understanding of the impact of colonialism and imperialism in

developing nations You also will have increased your knowledge concerning:

§ Resources in your potential discipline § Resources specific to your region § Traditional information sources § Alternative information sources § Knowledge of relevant methodologies

Learning Core Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate an understanding of world cultures, politics, and economics, within the context of globalization, as well as developing the skills and attitudes to function as “global citizens.” Specific Outcomes:

• Demonstrates knowledge of global issues, processes, trends and systems (i.e. economic and political interdependency among nations; environmental-cultural interaction; global governance bodies).

• Can articulate an understanding of her/his culture in global and comparative context; that is, recognizes that her/his culture is one of many diverse cultures and that alternate perceptions and behaviors may be based in cultural differences.

• Demonstrates an understanding of the meaning and practice of political, military, economic, and cultural hegemony within states and within the global system.

• Demonstrates an understanding of how her/his field is viewed and practiced in different international contexts.

• Uses diverse cultural perspectives and frames of reference, including those of the media, to think critically and solve problems.

• Uses information from other languages and other countries to extend their access to information and experiences.

• Interprets issues and situations from more than one cultural perspective. • Can articulate differences among cultures; demonstrates tolerance for the diverse

viewpoints that emerge from these differences.



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• Demonstrates a critical understanding of the historical origins of the nation-state, and its current role in the global system.

• Can apply the key theoretical concepts in the field to interpret global issues. • Exhibits an ongoing willingness to seek out international or intercultural

opportunities. Required Books: This course will use sections from the following books and articles:

1. Jack Donnelly. 2012. International Human Rights. Westview Press. http://www.westviewpress.com/book.php?isbn=9780813345017

2. Jean Bricmont. 2006. Humanitarian Imperialism: Using Human Rights to Sell War. Monthly Review Press. http://monthlyreview.org/press/books/pb1471/

3. Judith Blau and Mark Frezzo, 2011. Sociology and Human Rights: A Bill of Rights for the Twenty-First Century http://www.sagepub.com/books/Book235439

4. Paul Gordon Lauren. (2011). The Evolution of International Human Rights Visions Seen. University of Pennsylvania Press. http://www.upenn.edu/pennpress/book/14864.html

Other Readings will be posted on the D2L and you will find them under the course documents. Recommended Additional Readings:

1. RESOURCE BOOK: Hayden, Patrick. 1999. Philosophy of Human Rights: Readings in Context. Paragon House. http://www.paragonhouse.com/Philosophy-of-Human-Rights-Readings-in-Context.html

2. Ishay, Micheline (2008). The History of Human Rights: From Ancient Times to the Globalization Era. University of California Press. http://www.ucpress.edu/book.php?isbn=9780520256415

3. Ishay, Micheline (ed) 2008 The Human Rights Reader 2nd ed. Routledge Press. http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415951609/

4. Ignatieff, Michael (2003). Human Rights as Politics and Idolatry. Princeton University Press. http://press.princeton.edu/titles/7119.html

5. Goodale, Mark (2008). Human Rights: An Anthropological Reader. Wiley-Blackwell. http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1405183357.html

6. Beitz, Charles R. (2009). The Idea of Human Rights. Oxford University Press. 7. Moyn, Samuel (2012). The Last Utopia: Human Rights in History. Harvard

University Press. http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674048720 8. Griffin, James (2008). On Human Rights. Oxford University Press. 9. Mayer, A.E. (1995) Islam and Human Rights: Traditions and Politics. 2 ed,

Boulder: Westview. 10. Thomas Risse, Stephen C. Ropp, Kathryn Sikkink. (1999). The Power of Human

Rights International Norms and Domestic Change. Cambridge University Press.



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http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/politics-international-relations/international-relations-and-international-organisations/power-human-rights-international-norms-and-domestic-change

11. Goodhart, Michael (2009). Human Rights: Politics and Practice. Oxford University Press.

12. Freeman, Michael A. (2011). Human Rights: An Interdisciplinary Approach. Polity Press.

13. Goodhart, Michael (2011). Human Rights in the 21st Century Continuity and Change since 9/11. Palgrave.

14. Hunt, Lynn (2008). Inventing Human Rights: A History. W. W. Norton & Company, New York.

15. Perry, Michael J. (2000). The Idea of Human Rights Four Inquiries. Oxford UniversityPress. http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Law/PublicInternationalLaw/InternationalHumanRights/?view=usa&ci=9780195138283

16. Donnelly, Jack (2003). Universal Human Right in Theory and Practice Cornell Press. http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/?GCOI=80140100015050

17. Turner, Brian (2006). Vulnerability and Human Rights. Penn State University Press. http://www.psupress.org/books/titles/0-271-02923-4.html

18. Wallerstein, Immanuel (2006). European Universalism: The Rhetoric of Power. The New Press. http://thenewpress.com/index.php?option=com_title&task=view_title&metaproductid=1365

19. Steiner, Henry J. Philip Alston and Ryan Goodman (2007). International Human Rights in Context Law, Politics, Morals. Oxford University Press. http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/he/subject/PoliticalScience/PoliticalTheory/HumanRights/?view=usa&ci=9780199279425

20. Somers, Margaret (2008). Genealogies of Citizenship. 21. Mann, Michael (2004). The Dark Side of Democracy. Cambridge University

Press. 22. Falk, Richard (2009). Achieving Human Rights. Routledge. 23. Beitz, Charles. “What Human Rights Mean.” Daedalus 132 (2003): 36-46. 24. Waltz, Susan. “Reclaiming and Rebuilding the History of the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights,” Third World Quarterly 23 (No. 3 2002): 437-448. 25. Carol Anderson, Eyes Off the Prize: The United Nations and the African

American Struggle for Human Rights, 1944-1955 (2003), pp. 271-276. 26. Clark, Ann Marie. Diplomacy of Conscience: Amnesty International and

Changing Human Rights Norms Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2001: 3-20; 130.

27. Keck, Margaret E. and Sikkink, Kathryn. Activists Beyond Borders. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1998: 1-29.

28. Hafner-Burton and Tsutsui (2005) “Human Rights in a Globalizing World: The Paradox of Empty Promises” In American Journal of Sociology Vol. 110 (5): 1373-1411.



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29. Reus-Smit, Christian. Human Rights and the Social Construction of Sovereignty. Review of International Studies (2001), 27, 519–538.

30. Bulaç, Ali 2000 "The Medina Document" In Liberal Islam: A Sourcebook Kurzman ed. Oxford University Press.

31. Brysk, Alison. “From Above and Below: Social Movements, the International System, and Human Rights in Argentina.” Comparative Political Studies 26 (October 1993): 259-285.

32. Etzioni, Amitai. The Normativity of Human Rights Is Self-Evident. Human Rights Quarterly 32 (2010) 187–197.

33. Sen, Amartya "More than 100 Million Women are Missing. http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/1990/dec/20/more-than-100-million-women-are-missing/?pagination=false

34. Farmer, Paul 2005 "On Suffering and Structural Violence: Social and Economic Rights in a Global Era" In Pathologies of Power (pgs. 29-50).

35. Hernandez-Truyol, B.E. and Jane Larson (2002) “Both Work and Violence: Prostitution and Human Rights” In Moral Imperialism (pp. 183-211).

36. Cortyndon, Anna ed. (2007) “Trading Away our Rights: Women Working in 37. Global Supply Chains, OXFAM International. 38. Economist (2010) “Gendercide” The Worldwide war on baby girls” Print Edition.

March 4. http://www.economist.com/node/15636231 39. "The Sex Market" NY Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/09/world/the-

sex-market-scourge-on-the-world-s-children.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm 40. "Women's Rights: Why Not?" NY Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/18/opinion/women-s-rights-why-not.html 41. "US Blocks Money for Family Clinics Promoted by UN" NY Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/23/world/us-blocks-money-for-family-clinics-promoted-by-un.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

42. Cortelyou, Kenny 2009 “Disaster in the Amazon: Dodging Boomerang Suits in Transnational Human Rights Litigation” In California Law Review 857.

43. Mertus, Julie. “The Lingua Franca of Diplomacy: Human Rights and the Post-Cold War Presidencies,” excerpt from Bait and Switch: Human Rights and US Foreign Policy (Routledge, 2004): 39-74.

44. Sikkink, Kathryn. "The Power of Principled Ideas: Human Rights Policies in the United States and Western Europe." In Ideas and Foreign Policy: Beliefs, Institutions, and Political Change, edited by Judith Goldstein and Robert O. Keohane. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1993.

45. Okuizumi, Kaora. "Implementing the ODA Charter: Prospects for Linking Japanese Economic Assistance and Human Rights." NYU Journal of International Law and Politics 27 (Winter 1995): 367-408

46. Japan Foreign Ministry, “Arc of Freedom and Prosperity: Japan's Expanding Diplomatic Horizons" http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/fm/aso/speech0611.html (also see program for MOFA symposium, 2007, http://www.mofa.go.jp/policyillar/symposium0702.html)

47. “China Issues Human Rights Record of the US” March 2007.



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http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/zt/zgrq/t302225.htm Resources:

• US Department of State - Human Rights Country Reports: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/index.htm

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation – Report on the Human Rights Situation in the United States of America http://www.mid.ru/bdomp/ns-dgpch.nsf/8f29680344080938432569ea00361529/2ab49ff642baf0c244257aa000254663!OpenDocument

• Amnesty International Country Reports: http://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/page.do?id=1041024

• Human Rights Watch: Daily Reports http://www.hrw.org/en/publications/reports

• United Nations Human Rights Regime: o UNDHR: http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html o UN Human Rights Section: http://www.un.org/rights/index.html o UN HR High Commissioner:

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Pages/WelcomePage.aspx o UN HR Council: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/ o UN HR Committee: http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu2/6/hrc.htm o UN Convention Rights of Children:

http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/k2crc.htm • Mailing list: http://www.hrea.org/lists/index.html • White Papers of PRC

http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/whitepaper/home.html • Human Rights Library – University of Minnesota

http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/ • Philosophy of Human Rights

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/rights-human/ • H-Human Rights

https://networks.h-net.org/node/6148/pages/6153/resources-h-human-rights Documentaries and Movies:

1. Taxi to the Dark Side (2007) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX0MPcN08Zc 2. Life is Beautiful (1997) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64ZoO7oiN0s 3. Standard Operating Procedure (2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v65R9WIUq4 4. The Story of Human Rights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh3BbLk5UIQ&feature=related 5. Ali G on Human Rights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zydq4S9c8Ys&feature=related 6. The 30 Articles of Human Rights



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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36CUlaqmFi4&feature=related 7. Harvest of Empire (2012)

http://www.democracynow.org/2012/9/25/harvest_of_empire_new_film_recounts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0lsAYnBNaM

8. Forgotten Bird of Paradise (full version) - undercover West Papua documentary http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CaGou3vB3A0

9. The War On Democracy (2011) by John Pilger http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FXTnVsy32bE

10. These Birds Walk (2013) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaLSrOvHo_Q

Course Philosophy: The goal of this course is to enable students to write a theoretically guided and empirically rooted research paper. I expect you to become familiar with the social, political and economic underpinnings of Human Rights. The success of this course depends on your continued and sustained reading and participation. The course will be based on a four-dimensional method of learning, and this includes inquiry and critical thinking; communication; the diversity of human experience; and ethics and social responsibility. First, I would like you to critically analyze what you learn in this class or have learned so far through the media and education, because in today’s world, truth is a relative concept. Throughout human history, critical thinking is the one of the most important factors that has contributed to human development. In order to become active, self-motivated, empowered learners and future leaders, you will need to have the ability to think critically, and therefore your criticism, feedback and suggestions are necessary. Second, I would like you to enhance your writing and oral communication skills in this course. Therefore, it is important to clearly elaborate your arguments in the class discussion as well as in the written assignments. Third, we are each part of the human mosaic, and all have different experiences based on our social, political and economic differences. We can all learn from and respect each other and benefit from our diversity. Please try to learn from and understand those with different perspectives than you. Lastly, we need to learn that we are all part of this intellectual community and larger society, and all have social and ethical responsibilities to our family, community, classmates, and humanity. We live in a globalized world and therefore, we need to be aware of events in our community, and the world today. In order to enhance our knowledge, we must critically examine our social, political and economic environment in order to apply this knowledge to our experience. Course Requirements To prevent confusion later, please read the following information: Weekly Reflection Papers: Weekly reflection paper will include an open book essay that



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will determine what you have learned in class each week. I will ask you two to four questions regarding the same week’s class subject and discussion. The weekly reflection paper should be at least 1600 words. Font size should be Times New Roman, 12 point. The due date for an each paper is Sunday by 11:59 PM. Criteria: If your paper is less than 1600 words, or late, you will loose 2 points. Newspaper Articles: During the semester, you can bring 6 newspaper articles related with our class subjects. You cannot bring more than one article in the same week. You will have to summarize these articles in class. You will find the recommended newspapers on blackboard under the external links section. Weekly Presentations: Each week, three or four students will be assigned a weekly topic from the readings. These students will summarize the readings and will prepare questions for the class and lead the class discussion. Each student must read the course material before they attend class and I expect them to participate in class discussion. Final Paper: You will choose a topic related with Human Rights, which you will analyze within a theoretical framework described in the class and course materials. I must approve your topic and plan ahead of time; therefore, the final paper proposals are due as MS Word attachments emailed to me by Monday, April 28th. The final paper is a short empirical or theoretical paper of at least 4000 words (Font should be Times New Roman, 12 point), doubled spaced, and on a focused topic that relates directly to this course. The last day to submit your final paper is Sunday June 8th. CRITERIA:

• If you submit your final paper proposal after April 28th you will loose 3 points! • If your final paper is late, you will loose another 4 points! • If your final paper is less then 4000 words, you will loose 5 points!

Format: ASA citation and bibliography format will be followed for all course assignments. All work should adhere to the guidelines published by the American Sociological Association (ASA) at: http://www.asanet.org/cs/root/topnav/sociology_depts/quick_style_guide. This is not a definitive source, but is a Quick Guide provided by ASA. Participation/Attendance: Each student must read the course materials before they attend class, and I expect them to participate in class discussion. Regular class attendance is one of the most important parameters to successful completion of the course requirements. If you find interesting articles, books, videos, or other sources that pertain to the class topics and discussion, please share them with me and with your classmates. This can count towards your class participation score. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! - Electronic Devices & Other Classroom Policies



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Coming late to class and leaving early: Latecomers will not be accepted in the class, so be on time. If you are late for a class, please do not disturb your classmates and me and do not come at all. Please also do not send an email or call me regarding your class attendance. If there is a medical need, bring a letter from a doctor. Whatever the reason is, if you cannot come to class, this is your responsibility. If you miss more than 3 classes, you will not receive an attendance/participation grade. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE EARLY EITHER! This is a class, not a coffee shop! Laptop and cell phone policy: No electronic devices (including but not limited to laptops, cell phones, blackberries, etc) are to be used in the classroom. This includes talking on the phone, texting, playing games, surfing the web, or any other inappropriate usage. Those caught using restricted devices will be asked to leave class. Lectures may not be recorded with audio or multi-media devices. Please turn your cell phone off before you come to class. Responsibility: You and/or your parents pay tuition for this class; therefore, you have responsibility to yourself and/or your parents. Passing or failing the class is not the main objective, rather that you learn and improve your knowledge. Please read and try to understand the main concepts of this class. If you are having difficulty, please do not hesitate to see me and discuss your concerns! Each year, almost half a million people graduate from American public universities (see http://collegecompletion.chronicle.com/). As you will see from the statistics, the job market is very competitive; therefore, students need to improve their knowledge, skill, and experience in order to find a job they want. Learning is a lifelong process. An academic institution like Portland State University will provide you with an educational discipline and methodology; everything else is up to you. You should study and improve your skills, in order to compete with the rest of the graduates. While you are in the program, you should apply for internships to obtain relevant experiences before you graduate. Therefore, if you need a letter of recommendation for an internship or job, please do not hesitate to ask me, if you receive at least an A, A- or B+ grade from my class. Please also remember that an undergraduate degree might not be enough to find the job you want; therefore, you might need to apply to graduate school. In order to apply to graduate school, you will also need to have a letter of recommendation. I am also happy to advise you on graduate school or provide a letter of recommendation if you receive an A, A- or B+ grade. Grades: Your grade for this course will be based on performance on the following components, shown with their dates and respective weights: Item Date Weight (%) 5 Weekly Reflection Paper 60.0 Final Paper 20.0



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Weekly Presentation and Participation 10.0 Newspaper Articles 6.0 Attendance 4.0 The grading system in this class is as follows: A 95-100 A- 90-94 B+ 86-89 B 85 B- 80-84 C+ 76-79 C 75 C- 70-74 D+ 66-69 D 65 D- 60-64 F (Failure) Disabilities: Please let me know if you have any disabilities relevant to your involvement in this class, so that I can make appropriate adjustments. Contact Disability Resource Center at Portland State University 435 Smith Memorial Student Union, 1825 SW Broadway Portland, OR 97201 - Phone: (503) 725-4150 - Fax: (503) 725-4103 - TTY or Relay: (503) 725-6504. Email: [email protected], if you think you may have a class related disability for which you need counseling and certification. Following is the link to the Disability Resource Center, and all related matters will be kept in strict confidence: http://www.pdx.edu/uasc/disability-resource-center. PSU Student Code of Conduct: I will enforce the Student Code of Conduct strictly in this course. Be familiar with it. Unless specifically stated otherwise, you should complete any work for this course without assistance from others. Cheating, plagiarism, falsifications and attempts at any of these acts in connection with any work for this course are violation of the Student Code of Conduct. (2) All forms of academic dishonesty, cheating, and fraud, including but not limited to: (a) plagiarism, which includes, but is not limited to, word for word copying, using borrowed words or phrases from original text into new patterns without attribution, or paraphrasing another writer's ideas; (b) The buying and selling of all or any portion of course assignments and research papers; (c) Performing academic assignments (including tests and examinations) for other persons; (d) Unauthorized disclosure and receipt of academic information; and (e) Falsification of research data. http://www.pdx.edu/dos/conductcode Additional Remarks: If you have difficulty with the course, please schedule a time to discuss your concerns with me, to help you get back on track.



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Portland State University academic calendar: http://www.pdx.edu/registration/calendar#2009-2010

Course Timeline First Week March 31 – April 4

• Introduction to Human Rights and Syllabus • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml

• Beitz, Charles. “What Human Rights Mean.” Daedalus 132 (2003): 36-46. (D2L)

• (Donnelly-International Human Rights)

Part One: Introduction and Theory 1. Human Rights as an Issue in World Politics

• (Blau and Frezzo-Sociology and Human Rights) Chapter 1. Introduction - Mark Frezzo Chapter 2. Deepening Civil and Political Rights - Mark Frezzo

• Video: The Story of Human Rights • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh3BbLk5UIQ&feature=related

• Video: Ali G on Human Rights • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zydq4S9c8Ys&feature=related

Second Week April 7-11

• (Donnelly-International Human Rights) 2. Theories of Human Rights 3. The Relative Universality of Human Rights 4. The Domestic Politics of Human Rights: Dirty Wars in the Southern Cone

• (Blau and Frezzo-Sociology and Human Rights)

Chapter 3. Ensuring Economic and Social Rights - Louis Edgar Esparza Chapter 4. Promoting Cultural Rights - Laura Toussaint

• Non-Western Human Rights Approach Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation – Report on the Human Rights Situation in the United States of America (Posted on D2L)

• China issues report on human rights in the U.S. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-05/25/c_131611391.htm

• Movie: Life is Beautiful (1997) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64ZoO7oiN0s

Sunday April 13

Reflection Paper – 1

Third Week April 14-18

• (Donnelly-International Human Rights) Part Two: Multilateral, Bilateral, and Transnational Action 5. Global Multilateral Mechanisms 6. Regional Human Rights Regimes



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• (Blau and Frezzo-Sociology and Human Rights) Chapter 5. Globalizing the Human Rights Perspective - Bruce K. Friesen Chapter 6. Cooperating Around Environmental Rights - Rebecca Clausen

• Non-Western Human Rights Approach

Bulaç, Ali 2000 "The Medina Document" In Liberal Islam: A Sourcebook Kurzman ed. Oxford University Press.

• Documentary: Taxi to the Dark Side (2007)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX0MPcN08Zc

Sunday April 20st


Fourth Week April 21-25

• (Donnelly-International Human Rights) 7. Assessing Multilateral Mechanisms 8. Human Rights and American Foreign Policy: Cold War Cases and Comparisons 9. Human Rights and Foreign Policy


Chapter 7. Comparing Constitutions - Judith Blau Chapter 8. Arizona’s SB 1070: Setting Conditions for Violations of Human Rights Here and Beyond - Rogelio Sáenz, Cecilia Menjívar, San Juanita Edilia

• Documentary: The War On Democracy (2011) by John Pilger

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FXTnVsy32bE

Fifth Week April 28-May 2

• Etzioni, Amitai. The Normativity of Human Rights Is Self-Evident. Human Rights Quarterly 32 (2010) 187–197. (D2L)

• (Donnelly-International Human Rights)

Transnational Human Rights Advocacy 11. Comparing International Actors and Evaluating International Action


Chapter 9. Beyond Two Identities: Turkish Immigrants in Germany - Tugrul Keskin Chapter 10: The Rights of Age: On Human Vulnerability - Bryan S. Turner

• Documentary: Harvest of Empire (2012)

http://www.democracynow.org/2012/9/25/harvest_of_empire_new_film_recounts

Sunday May 4th


Sixth Week May 5-9

• (Donnelly-International Human Rights) Part Three: Post-Cold War Issues and Cases 12. Responding to Human Rights Violations in China: Tiananmen and After 13. Humanitarian Intervention Against Genocide



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• (Blau and Frezzo-Sociology and Human Rights) Chapter 11. Children’s Rights - Brian Gran and Rachel Bryant Chapter 12. Growing and Learning Human Rights - Judith Blau

Newspaper Articles

• Sen, Amartya "More than 100 Million Women are Missing. http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/1990/dec/20/more-than-100-million-women-are-missing/?pagination=false

• Economist (2010) “Gendercide” The Worldwide war on baby girls” Print Edition. March 4. http://www.economist.com/node/15636231

• "The Sex Market" NY Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1993/04/09/world/the-sex-market-scourge-on-the-world-s-children.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

• "Women's Rights: Why Not?" NY Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/18/opinion/women-s-rights-why-not.html

Seventh Week May 12-16

• (Donnelly-International Human Rights) o 14. Globalization, the State, and Human Rights

15. (Anti-)Terrorism and Human Rights

• (Blau and Frezzo-Sociology and Human Rights) o Chapter 13. Going Forward - Judith Blau

• World Report 2012: United States

http://www.hrw.org/world-report-2012/world-report-2012-united-states

• Documentary: Standard Operating Procedure (2008) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-v65R9WIUq4

Sunday May 22nd


Eighth Week May 19-23

• Bricmont, Jean. Humanitarian Imperialism: Using Human Rights to Sell War. • Exploring the organizations: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch,

Freedom House, The Helsinki Commission, Helsinki Committee for Human Rights, etc.

• Documentary: Forgotten Bird of Paradise (full version) - undercover West

Papua documentary http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CaGou3vB3A0

Ninth Week May 26-30

• Bricmont, Jean. Humanitarian Imperialism: Using Human Rights to Sell War. • Exploring the Human Rights Reports: AI, HRW, US State Department

Human Rights Reports. • Hafner-Burton and Tsutsui (2005) “Human Rights in a Globalizing World:

The • Paradox of Empty Promises” In American Journal of Sociology Vol. 110 (5):

1373-1411. (D2L). • Documentary: These Birds Walk (2013)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaLSrOvHo_Q



15

Sunday June 1st


Tenth Week June 2-6

• Bricmont, Jean. Humanitarian Imperialism: Using Human Rights to Sell War.

• Case Studies - Countries and Human Rights: China (PRC), US, Iran, Israel, Turkey, Zimbabwe, Mexico, Suudi Arabia and Uzbekistan.

Newspaper Articles: • “China Issues Human Rights Record of the US” March 2007.

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/zt/zgrq/t302225.htm

• FINAL PAPER PRESENTATIONS (DRAFT VERSION) WEDNESDAY

FINAL PAPER

Sunday – June 8th Midnight

By Email – [email protected]

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