The purpose of the seminar is to study human rights from different dimensions. First, we will examine the meaning of the term and the issues associated with defining the human rights field. What are these rights? What is their origin? Secondly, we will examine which rights/issues have been raised in the contemporary international political system and the responses from major international actors such as the United States, the Western European countries, International Organizations, and the NGO's such as Amnesty International. The central issue here is one of answers and policies toward human rights abuses/issues. Finally, we will analyze a number of case studies. Some case studies will be presented in the lectures, some will be discussed by the students. Students will be asked to do research and report on a case of human rights abuses looking not only at the issue or conflict that has led to those abuses, but also international responses to the issue.
