Human Rights: A Comprehensive Online Course for Beginners

Course Requirements

• An interest in understanding the complexities of human rights
• No prior knowledge of law or human rights is necessary, just a willingness to learn and engage with the material
• Access to a reliable internet connection for course materials and discussions

Course Description

Have you ever wondered where the idea of human rights came from? Or how these rights are protected (or not) in today’s world?

This course is your gateway to understanding the fascinating world of human rights.

We will start by exploring the very foundations of human rights – what they are, where they come from, and the powerful philosophies that underpin them. You will learn about their evolution throughout history, from ancient civilizations to the modern era, and how different cultures have shaped their understanding of these rights.

Then we will learn about the legal backbone of human rights, dissecting important international agreements and treaties that aim to protect everyone’s basic dignity and freedom. We won’t stop there – we will also take a close look at how human rights are upheld in different regions of the world, like Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

But human rights aren’t just abstract ideas – they are about real people facing real challenges. That is why we will tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time:

• How do wars and conflicts affect people’s rights?
• What about discrimination based on gender, race, or religion?
• How do we protect the rights of migrants and refugees?
• What about the impact of climate change on our rights?
• And what about the brave individuals and organizations fighting for these rights every day?

By the end of this course, you will not only know a lot more about human rights but you will also be able to think critically about them. You will have the tools to analyze real-world situations, debate different perspectives, and even find your own voice in advocating for a more just world.

What Will You Learn?

• The core concepts and theories that define human rights
• The historical development of human rights through the ages
• The key international and regional laws that protect these rights
• How human rights are challenged and defended in the modern world
• Strategies for advocating for human rights in your own life and community

Course Curriculum

Module 1: Foundations of Human Rights

• Lecture 1: Introduction to Human Rights: Definitions, Concepts, and Theories
• Lecture 2: Historical Development of Human Rights: From Ancient Civilizations to Modern Times
• Lecture 3: Philosophical Foundations of Human Rights: Natural Law, Social Contract, and Moral Theories

Module 2: International Human Rights Law

• Lecture 4: Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
• Lecture 5: International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
• Lecture 6: International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
• Lecture 7: Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
• Lecture 8: Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
• Lecture 9: Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)

Module 3: Regional Human Rights Systems

• Lecture 10: European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
• Lecture 11: Inter-American Convention on Human Rights
• Lecture 12: African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights

Module 4: Contemporary Human Rights Issues

• Lecture 13: Human Rights and Armed Conflict
• Lecture 14: Human Rights and Discrimination (Gender, Race, Ethnicity, Religion, etc.)
• Lecture 15: Human Rights and Migration
• Lecture 16: Human Rights and the Environment
• Lecture 17: Human Rights and Technology

Module 5: Human Rights Advocacy and Protection

• Lecture 18: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Human Rights Advocacy
• Lecture 19: National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)
• Lecture 20: Human Rights Education and Awareness

Who is this course for?

• Students interested in law, political science, international relations, sociology, or any field related to social justice
• Activists and advocates who want to deepen their understanding of human rights
• Professionals working in fields related to human rights or international development
• Anyone with a curiosity about the world and a desire to make a positive impact

Certificate of Completion

Upon the successful completion of this course and final assessment, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from Eduta.