Paper on Human Rights, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and comprehension
After the course is completed, the student should understand:

• the legal framework for the protection of human rights in the international system, and
• the legal framework for the protection of human rights in the Council of Europe (COE) system.

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, and
• demonstrate these abilities through both oral and written arguments.

Valuation and perspective
By the end of the course, the student should have some insight into a perspective such as:

• gender perspective, or the distinct perspectives of governments, rights holders, human rights NGOs, and
• more broadly, how human rights relate to other global concerns, such as security, climate change, or sustainable development.

Content

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.

Examinations and grades

Legal Analysis, 7.5 credits (Code: A003)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

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 determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

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

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

Comments on grades

In order to obtain a passing final course grade on the entire course, the minimum grade Sufficient (E) on Legal Analysis (Code: A003) is required.

The final course grade on the entire course will be based on the grade of Legal Analysis (Code: A003).

Modes of assessment

Legal Analysis, 7.5 credits (Code: A003)
Paper for submission and oral examination.
If a student does not achieve an approved grade on the paper, but with a limited effort is deemed to be able to reach it, the student may complete the paper in accordance with the examiner’s instructions. The supplement shall be completed within five working days from the time the student is assigned the instructions.

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

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

Basic Course in Law, 30 ECTS credits.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

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.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required reading

Smith, Rhona
International Human Rights Law
Oxford University Press, app. 496 pages

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

The latest edition of the book on the reading list is to be used.

Additional materials of up to 300 pages may also be part of the required reading.

Some of the literature may be available online and as E-book.