Course syllabus

Paper on Human Rights, 7.5 credits

Course code: RV783G Credits: 7.5
Main field of study: Law Progression: G1F
    Last revised: 13/03/2020
Education cycle: First cycle Approved by: Head of school
Established: 16/01/2020 Reading list approved: 13/03/2020
Valid from: Autumn semester 2020 Revision: 1

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

  • the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
  • the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
  • the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

  • gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
  • stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
  • communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and comprehension
After the course is completed the student should have knowledge of an insight into the following areas:

  • global and European systems and legal frameworks for the protection of human rights
  • norms relating to specific rights and for the protection of specific groups

Ability and capacity
After the course is completed the student should be able to:

  • independently identify legal issues within human rights
  • find the sources of law and construct legal arguments
  • demonstrate these abilities through both oral and written arguments.

Valuation and perspective
At the end of the course the student should have the capacity to:

  • problematise the implementation of the protection of human rights

Main content of the course

The student will write an analytical paper on an issue within the field of international human rights law. The topic may be chosen freely, after approval by instructor, or among selected topics provided at the beginning of the course. The chosen topic shall be presented at a compulsory seminar. Introductory lectures will be given and tutoring sessions will be scheduled.

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures, independent study, tutoring sessions and a compulsory seminar.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Examination, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Written paper and oral presentation in a compulsory seminar.


For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Examination
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Specific entry requirements

Basic Course in Law, 30 ECTS credits.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

For information on the right to re-examination, see (in Swedish) the examination regulations at Örebro University.

Transitional provisions

For a course that has been cancelled or significantly changed in content or scope, there may be examinations on three occasions within 18 months after the changes have been made.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required reading

Smith, Rhona (latest edition)
Textbook on International Human Rights
Oxford University Press, app. 448 pages