Please note: This page reflects the courses for the 2009 summer program. Course information for the 2010 session will be provided at a later date.
Morning Courses
Students choose between the following:

Fundamentals of International Human Rights Law
Dr Oloka-Onyango; Ms Patricia Sellers; Ms Jenny Martinez (3 semester credits) 

Combining lectures by eminent authorities in the field with small group workshops, this course is an introduction to the law of international human rights. Lecture topics include: the historical and philosophical origins of human rights; the sources of human rights law; civil and political rights; economic, social and cultural rights; human rights institutions, including the UN, European, African and Inter-American systems; humanitarian law and intervention, and human rights in domestic courts. Each day the lecture is followed by a small group workshop that develops a central theme or issue from the morning's lecture using cases, international instruments and other materials. This course is for students with no prior training in international human rights law. Evaluation will be by written examination (75%) and class participation (25%).

Human Rights Lawyering
Professor Ralph Steinhardt (3 semester credits)

This course examines and assesses the role of lawyers in the articulation and enforcement of international human rights law. The course opens with a critical analysis of the recurring issues of human rights litigation in domestic courts and international tribunals. Students also explore the lawyer's unique role in non-governmental organizations. The final segment of the course will address selected current topics in international human rights law and advocacy (e.g. the "War on Terror;" the impact of new technologies on human rights advocacy). Student performance will be evaluated by examination (75%) and by written exercises and class participation (25%). To enroll in the course, students must either have completed a substantial introductory course in international human rights law or have substantial experience as a lawyer or human rights practitioner, in which case the course prerequisite may be waived by the instructor.

Afternoon Courses
Students choose one of the following electives. Afternoon courses are limited to 20 students each. Upon acceptance to the program, students will be asked to indicate their first and second choices for the afternoon.

International Criminal Law
Professor Geoff Gilbert (2 semester credits)

This course starts with an intensive introduction to international law that places international criminal law in its context, examining its interplay with international human rights law, the international law of armed conflict and international refugee law. The course then briefly explores the nature of international crimes and accountability. The first major section of the course looks at jurisdiction in international law: domestic jurisdiction in its various forms and then the jurisdiction of the various international, hybrid and internationalized criminal courts and tribunals. That leads on to how states obtain jurisdiction over transnational fugitive offenders – extradition, collusive deportation, abduction and other irregular forms of rendition. At all times, the interplay with international human rights law has to be borne in mind. The final section of the course focuses on obtaining jurisdiction over those accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide before turning to the substantive content of genocide and crimes against humanity. Student evaluation will be based on written examination.

Human Rights and the Marketplace
Mr. David Petrasek (2 semester credits)

As part of the contemporary controversy of the human rights impacts of private actors, this course examines the role of the multinational corporation in zones of armed conflict, where human rights abuses can be common. After an initial orientation to basic norms of corporate social responsibility (and the institutions for enforcing those norms), the course  will consider and assess such issues as (i) the evidence of corporate complicity in human rights abuses in situations of conflict; (ii) the extent to which companies may be held liable for their direct actions and/or their links to state and non-state actors that are responsible for abuses; and (iii) the limits on the scope and efficacy of international human rights law in this and related settings. Student evaluation will be based on written examination.

War, Peace and Human Rights
Professor Liz Griffin (2 semester credits)

This course provides students with a practical understanding of the challenges to ensuring respect for human rights in conflict and post-conflict situations. The course commences with an examination of the protection of human rights during times of war. Students examine the law governing resort to the use of force and the international legal regime applicable during times of armed conflict. The course then turns to focus on the protection of human rights in post-conflict situations. Particular attention is paid to the role of UN peace support operations and the successes and failures of operations in areas such as Kosovo, Afghanistan, East Timor, Iraq and Sudan. The final part of the course focuses on human rights field operations and protection strategies. Students will gain an understanding of the key skills that underpin human rights investigations in post-conflict situations. This course is taught by way of lectures, seminars and simulated exercises. Students will be assessed through their participation in class (20%) and a written exam (80%).

The International Rights of Women
Dr Kelly Askin (2 semester credits)

This course examines the legal regime for the guarantee of women's international human rights. The starting point for the course is the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. It will also cover regional human rights bodies. Additional topics to be addressed include violence against women, economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights of women, reproductive rights, and redressing gender crimes under international law. Each student’s performance will be evaluated by class participation and a written examination.