DESCRIPTION:

This course examines the various relationships among cultural values, human rights issues and the development process. Themes addressed will include: 1) the relationship between different ‘generations’ of rights (i.e., civil and political rights, social, economic, and cultural rights, and the right to development); and 2) the tensions associated with respecting local cultures, respecting human dignity universally, and development as a process of directed change. Topics covered may include: the social/cultural impact of Structural Adjustment Programs, trade and foreign investment; democracy and development conditionality; environmental justice; slavery and other forms of unfree labour; women’s rights as human rights; and the rights of ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples.

COURSE READINGS:

• CourseLink and ARES

ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING:

• Participation: 20%
• Presentation: 25%
• Research Paper Proposal: 20%
• Research Paper: 35%

* Requirements and methods of evaluation are subject to change.