Module: International Human Rights Law

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	International Human Rights Law
Module Code	LAW1028 (ITS: LG328)
Faculty	Law & Government	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to examine the history, development, structure and efficacy of the international human rights law framework. In this module students will investigate the legal framework of the United Nations and of regional systems with regard to the promotion and protection of human rights. Students will examine human rights legal provisions and violations thereof as well as the remedies which are available. This module provides a platform of knowledge whereby students can understand and critique international human rights legislation and norms. Students are expected to attend weekly lectures. They are also expected to research and read relevant articles and contribute to class discussion.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the international human rights law system and regional human rights law systems
2. Examine regional and international legal mechanisms and procedures of human rights law enforcement
3. Compare and contrast international human rights, including the right to liberty, the right to health and freedom from torture.
4. Critically analyse specific areas of international human rights law with reference to relevant legal instruments and academic commentary
5. Construct an international human rights law model instrument and justify choice of provisions

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	101	Research, Reading, Exam Preparation
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20599	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Adam Mcauley	Module Teacher	James Gallen

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Formal Examination	n/a	100%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

History and Development of International Human Rights Law Discourse.
The origins of international human rights discourse from historical, philosophical and legal perspectives.

Protection of Human Rights in the UN system.
How did the UN incorporate human rights into their structure and functioning? How effective is the UN at promoting and protecting human rights?

Protection of Human Rights in regional systems.
How does the understanding and practice of human rights differ in Europe, Africa and the Americas? Can regional systems adequately protect and promote human rights?

Protection of Specific Human Rights
Examples of the ways in which specific human rights are protected will be examined from sociological, political and legal perspectives. The distinction between civil and political and economic, social and cultural rights will be analysed.

Nature and Enforcement of International Human Rights Law.
How effective is international human rights law?

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Alston, P. & Steiner, H.: 2007, International Human Rights in Context, 3rd Ed., OUP Oxford,
Smith, R.: 2007, Textbook on International Human Rights, 3rd Ed., OUP Oxford,
Forsythe, D.: 2006, Human Rights in International Relations, CUP Cambridge,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

0: Class Notes and Other Relevant Resources are available on the Loop page for the Module,