Human Rights, Human Wrongs: Challenging Poverty, Vulnerability and Social Exclusion from edX

What's inside

Learning objectives

International agreements in place to support marginalized groups
How global politics shape the conversation – and the law

Gender, ethnicity and other factors that intersect – and interfere – with rights worldwide
How new approaches to humanitarian assistance hurt and help

International agreements in place to support marginalized groups
How global politics shape the conversation – and the law
Gender, ethnicity and other factors that intersect – and interfere – with rights worldwide
How new approaches to humanitarian assistance hurt and help

Syllabus

Module 1: Why Does the World Need Human Rights?

Human Rights and Why We Need Them

From Economic Growth to People-Centered Development

The “Rise of Rights” in Development

Creating Human Rights

Are Rights Enough?

Module 2: International Legal Frameworks, Institutions and Development

Underlying Concepts of International Law

United Nations Institutions

International Law and Standards

Regional Systems for Human Rights

Social Inclusion

Module 3: International Human Rights Frameworks

Special Rights for Some

Convention on the Rights of the Child

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

International Rights Treaties

Limitations of Existing Standards

Module 4: Underlying Frameworks for Social Inclusion

Subject vs Object in Law

Equality of Opportunity

Affirmative Action

Autonomy as Protection

Lawand Combatting Inequality

Module 5: Contested Rights and the Co-option of the Rights Discourse

Hierarchy of Rights

Collective vs. Individual Rights

Co-option of Rights

Intellectual Property Rights

Module 6: Gendered Poverty and Inequality

Poverty and Wellbeing

Gender Inequality

Households as Sites of Inequality

Gendered Experience of Poverty

Attacking Gender Inequality Within Development

Module 7: Gendered Rights and Violence

Women’s Rights

Sexual and Reproductive Rights

Violence and Legal Frameworks

Gender in the UN Human Rights Framework

Root Causes and Lived Realities

Social Communication for Social Change

Module 8: Social Exclusion: Minorities and Indigenous Peoples

Minorities and Indigenous Peoples

Issues Facing Minorities and Indigenous Peoples

Social Exclusion by Continent

Overcoming Structural Inequalities

Combatting Social Exclusion

Module 9: Advocating for the Vulnerable

Vulnerability and “Natural” Disasters

Gendered Experiences of Disaster

Social Protection: Problematizing Conditional Cash Transfers

Culture v. Rights: The Case of Female Genital Mutilation

Equalizing the Encounter: Free Prior Informed Consent

Module 10: From Exclusion to Inclusion: Responding to Crisis and Conflict

Humanitarian Response to Crisis

“Do No Harm”: The Rise of “New Humanitarianism”

International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Democratization and Political Participation: The Situation Room

Responding to Crisis: Mediating for Peace

Module 11: New Directions: Rights and the SDGs

Sustainable Development and Rights

A Vision of Rights for the Future

Pathways to Sustainable Development and Human Rights

Human Rights and the Economy

The SDGs and Beyond

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores human rights issues impacting vulnerable populations, providing a comprehensive understanding of systemic barriers and their consequences

Examines the intersections of gender, ethnicity, and other factors that contribute to rights violations and social exclusion

Analyzes the evolution of human rights frameworks and institutions, highlighting their role in addressing global challenges

Provides practical insights into the application of human rights principles in fields such as development, conflict resolution, and humanitarian assistance

Engages learners in discussions on the contested nature of rights and the ethical dilemmas surrounding their implementation

Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in human rights law, sustainable development, and social justice

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, Human Wrongs: Challenging Poverty, Vulnerability and Social Exclusion with these activities:

Organize your notes, assignments, and other course materials

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Organize your course notes, assignments, and other materials to improve your ability to review and retain the information.

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Gather all your notes, assignments, and other relevant materials
Sort and organize the materials by topic or module

Read 'The Universal Declaration of Human Rights'

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Read the foundational document that outlines the essential rights and freedoms of all individuals as a basis for your understanding of human rights.

View The Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Read the document carefully and reflect on its content

Review course prerequisites

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Refresh your knowledge of international law, human rights, and development concepts to enhance your understanding of course materials.

Browse courses on International Law

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Review notes or textbooks from previous courses
Complete practice questions or quizzes

Six other activities

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Participate in online discussion forums

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Engage with fellow students in online discussion forums to share insights, ask questions, and expand your understanding of course concepts.

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Join online discussion forums related to the course
Actively participate in discussions, sharing your thoughts and perspectives
Respond to other students' comments and questions

Explore case studies of human rights violations

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Analyze real-world examples of human rights violations to deepen your understanding of the challenges and complexities faced by marginalized groups.

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Research and identify relevant case studies
Follow online tutorials or webinars on case analysis
Write a summary or analysis of your findings

Attend a workshop on human rights advocacy

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Attend a workshop led by experts in human rights advocacy to learn practical skills and strategies for promoting and protecting human rights.

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Research and identify relevant workshops
Register for and attend the workshop
Actively participate in the workshop sessions
Network with other participants and learn from their experiences

Develop an infographic on a human rights issue

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Create a visually engaging infographic to communicate the key aspects of a specific human rights issue, promoting awareness and understanding.

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Choose a specific human rights issue to focus on
Gather data and research the topic thoroughly
Design and create an infographic using appropriate visuals and data representation
Share your infographic online or present it to others

Create a website or blog on a human rights topic

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Develop a website or blog to explore a specific human rights topic in depth, providing a platform for research, discussion, and advocacy.

Browse courses on Human Rights

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Choose a human rights topic that you are passionate about
Create a website or blog using a platform such as WordPress or Wix
Conduct research and write articles or blog posts on your chosen topic
Promote your website or blog online and engage with your audience

Develop a presentation on a specific human rights issue

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Create a presentation that explores a specific human rights issue, including its causes, consequences, and potential solutions, to enhance your understanding and communication skills.

Browse courses on Communication

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Choose a specific human rights issue to focus on
Research and gather information on your chosen topic
Develop an outline and structure for your presentation
Create visuals and slides to support your presentation
Practice and deliver your presentation to an audience

Career center

Learners who complete Human Rights, Human Wrongs: Challenging Poverty, Vulnerability and Social Exclusion will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Human Rights Lawyer

Human Rights Lawyers are advocates for human rights. They work to protect the legal rights of their clients and to promote human rights around the world. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Human Rights Lawyer. You will learn about the international legal frameworks that protect human rights, the different types of human rights violations, and the strategies for advocating for human rights. You will also gain practical experience in human rights law through simulations and case studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Rights Lawyer

International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They work on a variety of projects, such as providing access to education, healthcare, and clean water. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective International Development Specialist. You will learn about the different theories and practices of international development, the challenges facing developing countries, and the strategies for promoting sustainable development. You will also gain practical experience in international development through simulations and case studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Specialist

Social Worker

Social Workers help people to overcome challenges and improve their lives. They work with people from all walks of life, including those who are experiencing poverty, homelessness, mental illness, or addiction. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Social Worker. You will learn about the different theories and practices of social work, the challenges facing social workers, and the strategies for helping people to overcome adversity. You will also gain practical experience in social work through simulations and case studies.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts conduct research and analysis to inform policy decisions. They work on a variety of issues, such as healthcare, education, and environmental protection. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Policy Analyst. You will learn about the different theories and practices of policy analysis, the challenges facing policy analysts, and the strategies for developing effective policies. You will also gain practical experience in policy analysis through simulations and case studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Human Rights Officer

Human Rights Officers work to promote and protect human rights. They work in a variety of settings, such as governments, international organizations, and NGOs. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Human Rights Officer. You will learn about the different international human rights treaties and standards, the different mechanisms for enforcing human rights, and the strategies for promoting human rights in different contexts. You will also gain practical experience in human rights work through simulations and case studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Rights Officer

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They work to ensure that their organizations are effective and efficient in achieving their missions. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Nonprofit Manager. You will learn about the different theories and practices of nonprofit management, the challenges facing nonprofit managers, and the strategies for leading nonprofit organizations to success. You will also gain practical experience in nonprofit management through simulations and case studies.

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Journalist

Journalists inform the public about important issues. They work in a variety of media outlets, such as newspapers, magazines, and television. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Journalist. You will learn about the different theories and practices of journalism, the challenges facing journalists, and the strategies for producing accurate and informative reporting. You will also gain practical experience in journalism through simulations and case studies.

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Lawyer

Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to clients. They work in a variety of settings, such as law firms, corporations, and government agencies. This course may help you develop some of the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Lawyer. You will learn about the different areas of law, the legal system, and the strategies for representing clients. You will also gain practical experience in law through simulations and case studies. Keep in mind that most Lawyers need a Juris Doctorate degree.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels, from preschool to college. They work to help students learn and grow, both academically and personally. This course may help you develop some of the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Teacher. You will learn about the different theories and practices of teaching, the challenges facing teachers, and the strategies for creating effective learning environments. You will also gain practical experience in teaching through simulations and case studies. Keep in mind that most Teachers need a Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field.

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Politician

Politicians hold elected office and make decisions that affect the lives of their constituents. They work in a variety of settings, such as local government, state government, and the federal government. This course may help you develop some of the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Politician. You will learn about the different theories and practices of politics, the challenges facing politicians, and the strategies for winning elections and governing effectively. You will also gain practical experience in politics through simulations and case studies.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human societies and cultures. They work in a variety of settings, such as universities, museums, and research institutions. This course may help you develop some of the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Anthropologist. You will learn about the different theories and practices of anthropology, the challenges facing anthropologists, and the strategies for conducting anthropological research. You will also gain practical experience in anthropology through simulations and case studies.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human societies and social behavior. They work in a variety of settings, such as universities, research institutions, and government agencies. This course may help you develop some of the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Sociologist. You will learn about the different theories and practices of sociology, the challenges facing sociologists, and the strategies for conducting sociological research. You will also gain practical experience in sociology through simulations and case studies.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They work in a variety of settings, such as universities, research institutions, and government agencies. This course may help you develop some of the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Economist. You will learn about the different theories and practices of economics, the challenges facing economists, and the strategies for conducting economic research. You will also gain practical experience in economics through simulations and case studies.

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Historian

Historians study the past in order to understand the present. They work in a variety of settings, such as universities, museums, and libraries. This course may help you develop some of the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Historian. You will learn about the different theories and practices of history, the challenges facing historians, and the strategies for conducting historical research. You will also gain practical experience in history through simulations and case studies.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study politics and government. They work in a variety of settings, such as universities, research institutions, and government agencies. This course may help you develop some of the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective Political Scientist. You will learn about the different theories and practices of political science, the challenges facing political scientists, and the strategies for conducting political science research. You will also gain practical experience in political science through simulations and case studies.

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