Course overview
This course examines the relationship between human rights and international development with a focus on countries of the Global South. It introduces students to human rights as frameworks for social change and to rights-based approaches as tools of development policy and practice. Drawing on case studies from across the Global South, the course critically examines how human rights frameworks shape and are shaped by economic, social, and political development processes in contexts of poverty and inequality. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of both the strengths and limitations of rights-based approaches, equipping them to engage critically with contemporary debates in international development policy and practice.
- Human rights and International Development
- Governance, Rights, and the Architecture of Development
- Rights and Development in a Changing World
Course learning outcomes
- Explain the theoretical and historical connections between human rights and development thinking and practice, including the evolution from needs-based to rights-based approaches.
- Critically analyse human rights-based approaches (HRBAs) to development across economic, social, political, and human development domains.
- Evaluate the role of key actors including states, international institutions, civil society, and affected communities in advancing or undermining rights in development practice.
- Apply human rights frameworks to contemporary development challenges facing Global South countries, including poverty, inequality, climate vulnerability, and democratic governance.
- Engage critically with debates around ethics, universalism, sovereignty, and power in the international human rights and development landscape
- Collaborate effectively in team-based learning environments by contributing to group inquiry into rights and development issues and demonstrate critical self- and peer-assessment skills through reflective engagement with diverse perspectives.
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Group 1
Class number 63938
Section WS01
Size 70
Available 70
Class number 68775
Section LE01
Size 70
Available 70
Notes:
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