Course Descriptions

HS 257F — International Humanitarian Law, Policy and Practice

Meets for one-half semester and yields half-course credit.

Traces the evolution of international human rights from a moral concept to the establishment of a principle of law. While there have been numerous advancements in the acceptance of human rights since 1949, the field is continuing to face increasing challenges evolving from an ever more complex human environment. Merely adopting new declarations does not turn them into new law or address North/South issues, unilateral use of force by nations, combating of terrorism and extremism, new forms of mass torture and killing, international crimes, environmental degradation, and the responsibility to protect. This course will provide a forum for critical examination of these issues so as to offer a context within which to apply reason and rigorous analysis to appreciate both the opportunities and constraints on the theory, policy and practice of international human rights law. Usually offered every year.
Theodore Johnson