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Malmö universitet

Course syllabus

Spring 2015

Course syllabus, Spring 2015

Title

Human Rights III

Swedish title

Human Rights III

Course code

MR106L

Credits

30 credits

Grading scale

UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)

Language of instruction

English

Decision-making body

Faculty of Culture and Society

Syllabus valid from

2015-01-19

Syllabus approval date

2014-11-26

Level

Basic level

Entry requirements

Prerequisite courses for this course are: MR101E Human Rights I (passed) or MR101L Human Rights I (passed) and MR102E Human Rights II (passed) or MR105E Human Rights II (passed) or MR105L Human Rights II (passed)

Main field

Human Rights

Progression level

G2E / First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements, contains degree project for Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

Course contents

Method and analysis (15 credits)
Thesis (15 credits)
The first module (method and analysis) focuses on methods of relevance to the study of human rights, for instance legal method, philosophical argumentation, and social science methods. The module is based in examples of human rights research, such as scientific articles and other material that concerns human rights; these forms of material are discussed in relation to the methodological considerations done. Particular attention is paid to choice of methods, use of methods in collecting and analyzing relevant material and how analysis and conclusions are related to methodological choices.
The second module (thesis) is comprised by the completion of a bachelor thesis, as well as a critical examination of the work of another student, and the defence of ones own thesis in an opposition seminar.

Learning outcomes

Module 1: Method and analysis
After finishing the module the student:
  • Can demonstrate deeper knowledge about theories and methods relevant for the study of human rights;
  • Can demonstrate deeper ability to choose and use theories and methods as well as ability to integrate different methods;
  • Can demonstrate deeper ability to choose and analyse relevant material and draw well-founded conclusions on the basis of the material and
  • Can demonstrate deeper ability to analytically reflect on theory and method and analysis of material
Module 2: Thesis
After finishing the module the student:
  • Can identify specific topics and problems within the subject area and formulate research questions with regard to these.
  • Can identify and accurately describe and use theories and methods that are relevant to the thesis work and which relate to earlier academic research.
  • Can assess, critique and present academic material in a structured analysis.
  • Can present her/his research in an academic thesis that is literate and utilises a consistent and correct referencing system.
  • Can orally discuss his/her own work; and assess and provide constructive criticism of the thesis work of others.

Learning activities

Module 1 contains teaching mostly in the form of seminars. On the second module teaching is in the form of supervision and seminars. A large part of the learning activities consists of independent study.
A student who has not finished the project work during the course, or has not received a passing grade on the project work at the end of the course cannot be guaranteed continued supervision.

Assessment

Module 1 (method and analysis) is assessed by participation in seminars, oral and/or written assignments related to seminars and a written assignment (memo). Module 2 (thesis) is assessed by the completion of a thesis (12 credits) and by the participation in an opposition seminar (3 credits). The module method and analysis includes, apart from written assignments, obligatory seminars and obligatory oral presentations. In the examination the above stated learning outcomes are assessed.
No particular re-examination opportunity is offered for Module 1, instead, the student may, at any time during the semester, hand in their assignments, knowing that it may take until the end the semester before it is graded. In addition to the regular thesis seminar on any given semester, further seminars are offered as specified in the schedule.

Course literature and other study material

Module 1: Method and analysis
  • Banakar, Reza (2008) “The politics of legal cultures” Retfærd: The Nordic Journal of Law and Justice, vol. 31: 37-60.
  • Braye, Suzy; Preston-Shoot, Michael (2006) “The role of law in welfare reform: critical perspectives on the relationship between law and social work practice” International Journal of Social Welfare, vol. 15, no. 1: 19-26.
  • Chamallas, Martha (1998) “The architecture of bias: deep structures in tort law” University of Pennsylvania Law Review, vol. 146: 463-531.
  • Flyvbjerg, Bent (2006) "Five Misunderstandings About Case-Study Research” Qualitative Inquiry, vol 12, no 2: 219-245 (http://vbn.aau.dk/files/3790172/BF_Qualitative_Inquiry_2006_vol__12_no__2_April_pp__219-245.pdf)//
  • Gerring, John (2004) "What is a Case Study and What is it Good For?" American Political Science Review, vol 98, no 2: 341-354.
  • Hafner-Burton, Emilie M (2014) "A social science of human rights" Journal of Peace Research, vol. 51: 273-286.
  • Landman, Todd (2005) "The Political Science of Human Rights" British Journal of Political Science, 35: 549-572.
  • Stausberg, M., Engler, S. (2013) The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods in the Study of Religion, Routledge 2013, excerpts of about 50 pages. (available as e-book from the MAH library).
  • Strong, S I (2014) How to write law essays and exams, 4th edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Alternatively: James Holland & Julian Webb (2013) Learning Legal Rules, 8th edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Thomson, Anne: Critical Reasoning in Ethics, London: Routledge 2005
  • Vaughn, Lewis (2006) Writing Philosophy. New York: Oxford University Press.
  • Weber, Max, excerpts from Economy and Society, 3-22: "Methodological foundations"
  • http:anthropos-lab.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Weber-Basic-Sociological-Terms.pdf
There may be additional material (ca 300 pages) – see the lecture presentation
Module 2: Thesis
There may be additional material (ca 300 pages) in the lecture presentations.

Course evaluation

All students are given the opportunity to give their comments at the end of the course, in writing or orally. A compilation of the results will be available on the faculty computer net. In addition, there are opportunities to give written or oral evaluations after each course module. Student participation is in the form of course meetings.