The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was conceived in the aftermath of Nazi crimes against six million Jews, Roma people, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities during the Holocaust. In this course, students will investigate both the historical development of a human rights philosophy, genocide in the 20th century, and contemporary human rights issues. We will also learn about the role that international courts play in our understanding and commitment to protecting human rights around the world. This course is designed to examine the terrible crimes of modern world history, but also, importantly, at the resistance and cultivation of justice in their aftermath.

Offered Spring 2025