International Human Rights Law and Justice

This course will provide students with a multidisciplinary introduction to crimes against humanity, genocide and mass atrocity crimes. Students will examine human rights violations and the legal developments that preceded modern genocides, crimes against humanity and mass atrocity crimes such as the Holocaust, Darfur, Rwanda and others. Students will further explore the international legal responses to human rights violations such as the role of the United Nations, the establishment and operation of the International Criminal Court and International Humanitarian Law. Students will also examine effectiveness of nonviolent direct action and the role of Restorative Justice as an approach to healing communities and preventing future harm. Course may include experiential learning through international travel.