Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - POL 448 D200

Selected Topics in International Relations (4)

Human Rights in International Relations

Class Number: 7294

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

Description

COURSE DETAILS:

Selected Topic:  Human Rights in International Relations

The landmark Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 was followed by a host of international agreements on genocide and torture, women and minorities, refugees and the conduct of warfare, and the treatment of children. Development, trade and healthcare have likewise become subject to new standards of human-centered conduct, whose significance has grown with economic and cultural globalization. Individual and collective human rights — with their appeal to solidarity and the rule of law, often against claims of cultural relativism — have ceased to be matters solely of domestic jurisdiction. We will address themes that involve global (and corresponding local) engagement with the protection and promotion of human dignity through rights, including the role of non-state actors such as NGOs and corporations. In this vein, we will attend to gaps between normative regimes and political realities, mindful of post- 9/11 approaches to "security," the challenges of climate change, and implications of the new digital sphere (including AI). Multimedia resources will supplement our course texts.

Grading

  • Presentation 20%
  • Analytical Report 30%
  • Contribution 10%
  • Final Exam 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Goodhart, Michael, ed.Human Rights: Politics and Practice.  4th , Oxford, 2022 (pbk). ISBN: 978-0190085469. E-book ISBN 9780190085476.

Additional readings will be posted on the Canvas site.

Supplementary Texts (available at SFU Library)

  • Richard Falk, Achieving Human Rights. Routledge, 2008.  Library E-book.
  • The Human Rights Reader. ed. Micheline Ishay. 2nd   Routledge, 2007.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.