Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Law School
The course explores the sources, key rules, and principles of international human rights law, including their development, scope, and enforcement, as well as related institutional frameworks.
This course introduces the fundamental principles and institutional framework of international human rights law. It examines the origins and development of human rights in international law, institutions including the treaty monitoring bodies and the Human Rights Council, the nature of States' obligations, limitations to human rights, and mechanisms for enforcement. The course considers key human rights in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), as well as other areas of human rights law through an examination of several current issues.ᅠItᅠaims to provide students with the ability to navigate and critically analyse international human rights law and related issues.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
LAWS5155 or 5156 or 7155
Restrictions
LLM, MIL, MIR/MIL
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
Teaching Mission Statement
The mission of the TC Beirne School of Law is to educate students in and about the law. We seek to assist you to think critically about the law and to investigate its structures, principles, policies, and values. This is achieved by engaging with you as fellow investigators in a range of critical and intellectual conversations about the law and its place in society. Our role is thus to guide you in your own intellectual journey in the law and to equip you with the necessary skills that will enable you to continue that journey long after you have left the School.
Course Aims
International Human Rights Law is designed to give students an introduction to, and critical understanding of, international human rightsᅠand insight into key issues that concern and challenge the realisation of rights in practice. The course is interactive with students expected to prepare for and actively participate in seminars.ᅠThe course invites and enables students to critically reflect on the scope andᅠapplication of human rights. The course willᅠimproveᅠstudents’ abilities to research the law in context,ᅠanalyseᅠinternational legal materials, present ideas and arguments cogently and effectively, and think criticallyᅠabout international law.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate understanding of international human rights law and the relevant institutional framework.
LO2.
Identify and understand contemporary issues related to human rights, critically analyse challenges to the realisation of rights, and discuss concepts and ideas logically and effectively.
LO3.
Present and communicate knowledge, understanding and critical awareness of issues concerning human rights.
LO4.
Develop independent arguments and approaches for the protection of human rights.
Assessment
Assessment summary
Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
---|---|---|---|
Essay/ Critique |
Case Note
|
30% |
19/09/2024 2:00 pm |
Reflection |
Reflection on Human Rights Critiques
|
10% |
10/10/2024 2:00 pm |
Essay/ Critique |
Essay
|
60% |
7/11/2024 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Case Note
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
19/09/2024 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
This assessment involves preparing a case note, which consists of a summary and analysis of a decision of the Human Rights Committee (HRC). The case note should outline the facts of the case, identify the relevant legal issues, and provide a critical analysis of the decision and (as relevant) its broader implications.
The course coordinator will provide several cases to choose from.
The maximum length of the case note is 1,500 words. Footnotes are not included in the word count, provided that they only contain references. The word count must appear on the first page of the paper. Words in excess of the word limit will not be read, and will not be counted towards the answer.
This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assignments must be submitted electronically via the submission link on the course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered will generally be limited to one week in the first instance. In exceptional circumstances, approved extensions may be granted for more than one week but will not exceed four weeks in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should be advised to apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure .
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Penalties for Late Submission
The following penalties apply to late submission of an assessment item, assuming that an extension has not been approved, and that late submission is academically possible (e.g., it does not delay feedback to a cohort, or interfere with course delivery).
First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) - 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
More than 7 periods of 24 hours - 100%
Reflection on Human Rights Critiques
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
10/10/2024 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
This assessment item requires students to write a reflection on critiques of international human rights law. The purpose of the task is to encourage students to think critically about their understanding of human rights, their efficacy, and their application in different social and political contexts.
The maximum word limit is 800 words. Footnotes are not included in the word count provided that they only contain citations and not substantive text. Words in excess of the 1,500 maximum will not be read.
Further information will be provided in class in Week 7.
This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assignments must be submitted electronically via the submission link on the course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered will generally be limited to one week in the first instance. In exceptional circumstances, approved extensions may be granted for more than one week but will not exceed four weeks in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should be advised to apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure .
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Penalties for Late Submission
The following penalties apply to late submission of an assessment item, assuming that an extension has not been approved, and that late submission is academically possible (e.g., it does not delay feedback to a cohort, or interfere with course delivery).
First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) - 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
More than 7 periods of 24 hours - 100%.
Essay
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
7/11/2024 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The final assessment item will require students to show a developed understanding and critical awareness of international human rights law, as informed by the content of the seminars and further independent study.
The purpose of this assessment is to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate the research, analytical, and writing skills required to produce a substantial and original piece of written work. It also allows you to demonstrate, and build on, your understanding of international human rights law and its relevance to real issues and problems.
The word limit for the paper is 4,000 words. Citations in footnotes do not count to this limit, though any substantive text will. Words beyond the 4,000 word limit will not be marked.
This assessment task evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assignments must be submitted electronically via the submission link on the course Blackboard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered will generally be limited to one week in the first instance. In exceptional circumstances, approved extensions may be granted for more than one week but will not exceed four weeks in total. Where a student is incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, they should be advised to apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure .
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
Applications to be submitted before the due date: Applications for extension (whether they be medical or exceptional circumstances) shall be made by the due date and time for the assessment. Requests for extensions received after the assessment item submission due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Penalties for Late Submission
The following penalties apply to late submission of an assessment item, assuming that an extension has not been approved, and that late submission is academically possible (e.g., it does not delay feedback to a cohort, or interfere with course delivery).
First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) - 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
More than 7 periods of 24 hours - 100%.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
---|---|---|
1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
2 (Fail) | 20 - 47 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
3 (Marginal Fail) | 48 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
All assignments are now to be electronically submitted via Blackboard. The instructions for submission are in the Online Submission Folder in your course Blackboard site. The online submission is in addition to any other submission requirements that appear in this ECP.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Students will be directed to relevant resources (including treaties, legislation, cases, journal articles and book chapters) that are available digitally via the UQ Library catalogue
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 2 To Week 10 |
Seminar |
Seminars The seminar topics are available from the course blackboard site. There are eight seminars in the course. The seminars start in week 2. Seminars topics:
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: