HSEM3075H: Humans and Rights in Historical Perspective

In the second half of the twentieth century, in the wake of World War II and decolonization, a language of human rights developed that emphasized rights as individual and universal. Many of us now take this particular notion of human rights as a given. In this seminar, we will explore the complicated and multi-faceted history of how societies in different parts of the world have defined what it is to be human, the treatment owed to humans, and various kinds of rights. Some of these philosophies are grounded in religion and others in secularism. Some identify the nation-state as the adjudicator of rights, while others would empower international organizations or grassroots movements. For some, the individual is sacrosanct, while for others, persons are inextricably embedded in social webs. We will study how these concepts have changed over time as the globe has become increasingly interconnected and consider their relevance and application in our contemporary society. The semester will be divided into five mini units. In the first, we will explore concepts of the human and of rights in major faith traditions. In the second, we will examine the debates that emerged from European colonialism in the Atlantic world. In the third, we will study the emergences of an explicit language of human rights after World War II. In the fourth, we will look at human rights issues in the United States. And in the final unit, you will pursue your own research and collaborate in small groups to make presentations and facilitate discussion around common themes.

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