Human Rights for Open Societies from Coursera

Human rights are under pressure in many places across the globe. Peaceful protests are violently quashed. Voting is tampered with. And minorities are often excluded from decision-making. All of this threatens the ideal of an open society in which each of us can be free and participate equally. A solid protection of human rights is needed for an open society to exist and to flourish. But it is often an uphill battle to work towards that ideal. Equip yourself and learn more about what human rights are and how they work.

In this course, we will introduce you to one of the world’s most intricate human rights systems: the European Convention on Human Rights. You will see when and how people can turn to the European Court of Human Rights to complain about human rights violations. You will learn how the Court tries to solve many of the difficult human rights dilemmas of today. We will look, amongst other things, at the freedom of expression and demonstration, the right to vote, and the prohibition of discrimination. And we will address the rights of migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups. And, of course, we will see whether it is possible to restrict rights and if so under what conditions. You will even encounter watchdogs and ice cream in this course. We invite you to follow us on a journey of discovery into the European Convention!

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the ECHR

The protection of human rights is closely linked to the idea of open societies. In an open society, people enjoy freedom and they are to a large extent free to live their lives as they wish. This week, we explore the idea of open societies and see how it relates to the protection of human rights. We also introduce you to the European Convention on Human Rights. This document forms the foundation for one of the world’s most intricate international human rights systems. Finally, you learn about the background and history of the Convention, the rights that are protected therein and the procedure which individuals can use to lodge a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a strong foundation for understanding human rights and the European Convention on Human Rights

Introduces complex and nuanced issues such as the balance between human rights and democracy, discrimination, and the rights of vulnerable groups

Taught by recognized experts in human rights law from the University of Leuven

Explores the practical application of human rights law through case studies and examples

May require a basic understanding of international law and human rights concepts

Does not provide hands-on experience in applying human rights law

Reviews summary

Comprehensive introduction to echr and open societies

According to learners, this course offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and its connection to the concept of open societies. Students found the lectures engaging, the instructors knowledgeable and passionate, and the materials provided (cases, articles) relevant and well-chosen. It is widely considered a very good foundation, particularly highly recommended for beginners in the field. However, some reviewers noted that while the course provides a solid overview, they found certain parts superficial or desired more in-depth analysis of landmark cases or current challenges. Additionally, a few mentioned that the strong focus on the European system felt narrower than expected given the broader course title.

Explores human rights via ECHR lens.

"Excellent course that gives a clear overview of the European Human Rights system."

"The way they link human rights to the concept of open societies is very insightful."

"Clear, well-structured, and highly relevant. The focus on the ECHR makes it specific..."

"Excellent resource for understanding the ECHR's role in upholding human rights in democratic societies."

"While the ECHR is important, the title 'Human Rights for Open Societies' felt broader than the content delivered..."

Lecturers are knowledgeable and materials relevant.

"The lecturers are clear and the materials provided (cases, articles) are very relevant."

"The lectures were engaging and the required readings (mainly case law) were well-chosen."

"The instructors were knowledgeable."

"The instructors are clearly passionate about the subject."

"Readings are heavy but necessary."

Material is well-explained for beginners.

"Excellent course that gives a clear overview of the European Human Rights system."

"It's not too difficult to follow and provides a very good foundation for anyone interested in human rights..."

"A very comprehensive introduction to the ECHR... Highly recommended for beginners in this area."

"Engaging lectures, clear explanations, and thought-provoking content."

"The lecturers explain complex topics in an accessible way."

Suitable as intro, may lack depth for advanced.

"Solid course... Would have liked a bit more depth on current challenges..."

"The course provides a decent introduction, but I found some parts superficial."

"It feels more like an overview than a deep dive. Useful for complete beginners, perhaps less so for those with some background."

"Was expecting more coverage of international human rights law beyond Europe... was very focused on the European system."

"Might be too basic for advanced learners, but for someone starting, it's perfect."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Human Rights for Open Societies with these activities:

Review Basic Legal Concepts

Show steps

Reviewing basic legal concepts will give you a stronger foundation for understanding the complexities of human rights law.

Browse courses on Legal Terminology

Show steps

Revisit definitions of key legal terms, such as 'rights', 'obligations', and 'jurisdiction'.
Review the basic principles of tort law, contract law, and criminal law.
Read articles or blog posts about current legal issues to refresh your understanding of the legal landscape.

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Human Rights for Open Societies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Human Rights Lawyer

Human Rights Lawyers advocate for the legal rights of individuals, often those who are marginalized or disadvantaged. Human Rights Lawyers typically have a strong understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as other international human rights laws. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Human Rights Lawyer, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Rights Lawyer

Policy Advisor

Policy Advisors provide expert advice to policymakers on a variety of issues, including human rights. Policy Advisors typically have a strong understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Policy Advisor, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Advisor

Diplomat

Diplomats represent their countries abroad and work to promote peace and cooperation. Diplomats typically have a strong understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Diplomat, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diplomat

Journalist

Journalists report on current events and provide information to the public. Journalists typically have a strong understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Journalist, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Activist

Activists work to promote social and political change. Activists typically have a strong understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as an Activist, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Activist

International Development Worker

International Development Workers work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. International Development Workers typically have a strong understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as an International Development Worker, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Worker

Human Rights Researcher

Human Rights Researchers conduct research on human rights issues. Human Rights Researchers typically have a strong understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Human Rights Researcher, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Rights Researcher

Human Rights Educator

Human Rights Educators teach about human rights issues. Human Rights Educators typically have a strong understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Human Rights Educator, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Rights Educator

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit Managers typically have a strong understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Nonprofit Manager, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Government Relations Manager

Government Relations Managers work with government officials to promote the interests of their organizations. Government Relations Managers typically have a strong understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Government Relations Manager, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Government Relations Manager

Lawyer

Lawyers represent clients in legal matters. Lawyers typically have a strong understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Lawyer, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Judge

Judges preside over legal proceedings and make decisions based on the law. Judges typically have a strong understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Judge, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Judge

Prosecutor

Prosecutors represent the government in criminal cases. Prosecutors typically have a strong understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Prosecutor, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Prosecutor

Public Defender

Public Defenders represent defendants in criminal cases. Public Defenders typically have a strong understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Public Defender, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Defender

Social Worker

Social Workers help people mengatasi personal or social problems. Social Workers typically have a strong understanding of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice. This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Social Worker, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the European Convention on Human Rights and its application in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker