We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Kevin W. Jennings, Ph.D.

UPDATE: All my courses now come with custom Certificate of Completion. Humanity is capable of great things, but it's also capable of great evil. This course will talk about difficult subjects like genocide, slavery, racism, sexism, and more. We will discuss what they are, how they have come about, and what we can do as a species to help prevent them from happening again. We will also cover related subjects like how different populations (such as women, children, and people of color) are often targeted for the worst human rights abuses. At times, discussions can be difficult for many learners, so please be prepared for this difficult content. You are encouraged to take breaks and decompress between lectures. Lectures: Human Rights Philosophical Foundations of Human Rights Human Rights AssumptionsHuman Rights Law International Law Free Speech and Censorship Freedom of Speech in the Modern World Political Prisoners Terrorists, Disappearances, and Others Torture Torture Methods Torture Justifications The Death Penalty The Death Penalty, Religion, Philosophy, and Politics Death Penalty Research Segregation and Apartheid Caste Systems and Sexism The History of Slavery Slavery in the Modern World Genocide Genocide in the Modern World Refugees Refugees in the Modern World Women and Human Rights Children and Poverty

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Human rights
  • Torture
  • Genocide
  • Slavery
  • Racism

Syllabus

Introduction
Introduction to Human Rights
The Philosophical Foundations of Human Rights
Philosophy and Human Rights
Read more

This is a ten question final exam for this course.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the philosophical and legal foundations of human rights, which is essential for understanding international relations and policy
Examines difficult subjects like genocide and slavery, which provides a comprehensive overview of human rights challenges
Covers topics such as torture and the death penalty, which are often debated in legal and ethical contexts
Includes discussions on censorship and freedom of speech, which are highly relevant to current events and policy debates
Addresses the targeting of vulnerable populations, such as women and children, which highlights the intersectionality of human rights issues
May be difficult for some learners due to the sensitive nature of the content, so learners should be prepared to engage with challenging material

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Comprehensive look at human rights issues

According to learners, this course offers a valuable and timely exploration of universal justice and human rights. Students frequently praise the broad coverage of difficult topics, including genocide, torture, slavery, and discrimination. The lectures are often described as engaging and informative, providing a solid foundation in the philosophical and legal aspects of human rights. While the subject matter is inherently difficult and emotionally challenging, many find the course handles these topics sensitively and effectively. Some reviewers felt certain complex issues could benefit from more in-depth discussion, suggesting it serves best as a comprehensive introduction.
Assessment tests understanding of core concepts.
"The final exam covered the key points discussed throughout the course."
"I felt the exam was a fair assessment of whether I grasped the main themes."
"The ten questions on the final exam were representative of the lecture material."
Provides a solid introduction, some desire more depth.
"It gives a great foundation, but I wished some topics could have been explored in greater detail."
"For an introductory course, the depth was appropriate, but advanced learners might find it basic."
"I felt it was a good survey course, covering many areas without diving extremely deep into any one."
"It's excellent for getting a handle on the breadth of human rights issues, though depth varies."
Instructor is praised for expertise and delivery.
"The instructor is clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter."
"I felt the lectures were well-delivered and easy to follow thanks to the clear explanations."
"His expertise made understanding complex legal and philosophical concepts much easier."
"It's evident the instructor has a deep understanding of human rights history and law."
Course covers a wide range of critical human rights issues.
"This course gives a broad overview of the most critical human rights issues we face today."
"I appreciated how many different topics were covered, from torture to genocide to modern slavery..."
"The syllabus touched upon so many important facets of human rights that are often overlooked."
"It's a great course if you want to understand the many dimensions of universal justice."
Course changes perspectives and increases awareness.
"This course profoundly changed my understanding of human rights abuses and their history."
"I gained so much awareness about ongoing issues I wasn't fully aware of before."
"It's a course everyone should take to better understand the state of the world."
"I now feel much more informed and motivated to learn more about these critical issues."
Addresses difficult and sensitive topics responsibly.
"While the topics are incredibly heavy, the course handles them with necessary sensitivity."
"Be prepared for difficult content, but it's presented in a way that is informative rather than gratuitous."
"Discussing torture and genocide isn't easy, but this course approaches it thoughtfully."
"I found the lectures on difficult subjects to be both informative and appropriately handled."

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 Universal Justice and Human Rights with these activities:
Review 'The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A Common Standard of Achievement'
Familiarize yourself with the core document underpinning human rights law and discourse.
View A World Made New on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how the book's content relates to the course syllabus.
Review Key Concepts of International Law
Strengthen your understanding of international law principles, which are crucial for grasping human rights law.
Browse courses on International Law
Show steps
  • Review notes from previous courses on international law.
  • Read articles on international law.
  • Take a practice quiz on international law concepts.
Write a Blog Post on a Current Human Rights Issue
Deepen your understanding of a specific human rights issue by researching and writing about it.
Show steps
  • Choose a current human rights issue.
  • Research the issue thoroughly.
  • Write a blog post summarizing the issue and offering your perspective.
  • Share your blog post online.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in a Study Group on Torture and the Death Penalty
Enhance your comprehension of complex topics like torture and the death penalty through collaborative discussion.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates.
  • Choose specific topics related to torture and the death penalty.
  • Discuss the topics, sharing insights and perspectives.
Review 'Human Rights and Global Justice'
Gain a broader understanding of the global context of human rights and justice.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters relevant to the course.
  • Summarize the book's main arguments.
Volunteer at a Human Rights Organization
Apply your knowledge and skills by volunteering at an organization dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights.
Show steps
  • Identify a human rights organization in your area.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Volunteer your time and skills to support the organization's mission.
Create a Presentation on a Specific Genocide
Synthesize your knowledge of genocide by creating a presentation that explores a specific case study.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific genocide to research.
  • Gather information on the historical context, causes, and consequences of the genocide.
  • Create a presentation summarizing your findings.
  • Present your findings to an audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Universal Justice and Human Rights will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Human Rights Advocate
A human rights advocate champions the rights and freedoms of individuals and groups. They work to prevent abuses, promote equality, and ensure justice for all. This course, with its focus on topics such as genocide, slavery, racism, and sexism, helps build a strong understanding of the core challenges faced by human rights advocates. The course details the philosophical foundations of human rights and explores related topics such as international law and the legal system, which will be useful to understand the context of human rights violations. It also discusses specific abuses like torture, the death penalty, and the treatment of refugees, which are critical areas of focus for this career.
Activist
Activists work to bring about social or political change through various actions and advocacy work. This course may be useful for an activist, as it provides a framework for understanding human rights. It discusses the philosophical and legal foundations of human rights, as well as topics such as racism, sexism, and other abuses. With a deeper understanding of human rights issues, an activist will be more effective at advocating for the changes they wish to make.
International Aid Worker
International aid workers provide humanitarian assistance to people in need, often in crisis situations or in developing countries. They work to address issues such as poverty, displacement, and human rights abuses. This course focuses on critical topics such as genocide, refugees, and slavery, all of which are highly relevant to the challenges faced by international aid workers. Understanding the philosophical basis of human rights as well as the legal framework surrounding them will help aid workers advocate for the populations they serve, and this course provides this context. It will be beneficial to those seeking to understand how to protect vulnerable populations.
Lawyer
A lawyer working in human rights law may focus on defending victims of human rights abuses. They work in national and international courts and organizations. This course offers a wide overview of the foundations of human rights and explores many historical and current abuses, such as torture, genocide, and slavery. A lawyer will benefit from this course's content pertaining to relevant international law, understanding that many human rights cases involve international actors. The course is especially useful for lawyers who want to work in the areas of human rights.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum developers create educational materials. Some focus on building modules on human rights and social justice. This course will be useful. A curriculum developer needs deep knowledge of the subject matter that they plan to incorporate into educational modules. This course provides information on the history and philosophy of human rights as well as issues such as torture, genocide and slavery. A curriculum developer will find this useful for developing content.
Nonprofit Director
Nonprofit directors lead organizations dedicated to specific causes. Many nonprofit organizations focus on human rights and related issues. This course helps a nonprofit director understand the historical and philosophical underpinnings of human rights, as well as the legal systems that are meant to protect them. The course covers topics such as torture, the death penalty, and the rights of refugees, which directly link to many nonprofit missions. A deep understanding of human rights, as provided in this course, is essential for managing a nonprofit that strives to make change in this space.
Social Worker
Social workers provide support and resources to individuals and families facing various challenges. Some social workers focus on human rights, advocating for those who have been subjected to abuses or discrimination. This course may be a useful introduction to the history and nature of human rights abuses, covering topics such as racism, sexism, slavery, and genocide. The course can provide context for working with vulnerable populations, as it discusses issues such as poverty and the treatment of women and children. With a deeper understanding of human rights, a social worker may be better prepared to help their clients achieve justice.
Academic Researcher
Academic researchers conduct studies and publish findings in various fields. An academic researcher focused on human rights might explore areas such as genocide, slavery, and other human rights abuses. This course will help build a foundation in the philosophical and legal aspects of human rights. The course also delves into the issues of torture, the death penalty, and the situations of women and children. With its wide coverage of topics relating to human rights, the course will be helpful to researchers exploring this field.
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts research and analyze policy issues to advise governments, organizations, and other stakeholders. A policy analyst working in areas related to human rights benefits from a strong understanding of the historical and philosophical foundations of human rights. This course explores these foundations, as well as relevant international law. Additionally, this course covers specific issues such as torture, genocide, and the death penalty. Such topics are helpful for those building a career in policy analysis.
Political Scientist
Political scientists study the theory and practice of politics, political systems, and political behavior. They research topics such as human rights, international relations, and government policy. A political scientist needs a deep understanding of the history and philosophical foundations of human rights, which this course offers. It also explores political prisoners and topics such as segregation and apartheid, which are relevant to the work of a political scientist. The course may be useful for understanding the intersection of human rights and political systems.
Mediator
Mediators facilitate communication and help resolve disputes between individuals or groups. A mediator working on conflicts related to human rights can utilize the context provided by this course on the foundations and concepts of human rights. A mediator needs to understand the background and context of conflicts. This course provides that background with its discussion of topics like segregation, caste systems, and sexism. A mediator may benefit from this course when working to resolve disputes related to these and other human rights issues.
Lobbyist
Lobbyists advocate for specific causes and seek to influence policy decisions. A lobbyist working on human rights issues may find this course useful, as it covers the philosophical and legal backgrounds of human rights. It explores topics such as the death penalty, torture, and discrimination, which are the areas in which they might try to influence policy. With a deep understanding of human rights issues, a lobbyist will be more prepared to advocate effectively.
Education Administrator
Education administrators oversee the operations of educational institutions or programs. Some focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. This course may help an educational administrator, as it introduces them to concepts related to equality and justice, such as segregation and sexism. The course’s focus on the philosophical foundations of human rights would be useful. It can help to inform an education administrator, especially within schools which have diverse student bodies.
Journalist
Journalists investigate and report on current events, and some specialize in human rights issues. This course may be useful for a journalist, as they can utilize the historical and legal analyses discussed. They can build a context with regards to freedom of speech, free press and censorship. The course's examination of human rights abuses such as slavery, genocide, and torture would add to a journalist's background and equip them to report on such issues with a deeper understanding of their root causes and impacts.
Public Relations Specialist
Public relations specialists manage the public image of organizations, businesses, or individuals. A public relations specialist working for a human rights organization must have a solid foundation in the philosophy and history of human rights. This course can help them understand the history of abuses like genocide and slavery, as well as contemporary issues like the treatment of refugees. With a deeper understanding of the core concepts of human rights, a public relations specialist can better communicate an organization's message.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Universal Justice and Human Rights.
Provides a comprehensive analysis of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, its historical context, and its ongoing relevance. It is essential reading for understanding the foundational document upon which the course is built. Studying this book will provide a deeper understanding of the principles and articles discussed in the course, enriching your learning experience. It serves as a useful reference tool throughout the course.
Explores the complex relationship between human rights and global justice, providing a broader perspective on the issues covered in the course. It is particularly valuable for understanding the political and economic dimensions of human rights violations. This book serves as additional reading to expand on the course's core concepts. It is commonly used as a reference text in advanced human rights courses.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser