*2026 Spring - Human Rights Futures

Revised

October 20, 2025

WATCH THE COURSE PREVIEW VIDEO

CLASS NUMBER:

780-01

INSTRUCTOR:

ROBIN KIRK

TIME:

Wednesdays, 6:30-9 PM

LOCATION:

GLS House, Room 0101, 2114 Campus Drive

DESCRIPTION:

This class will establish some of the foundations and histories of human rights, then take an in-depth look at the challenges that face us as a world community. This includes using a human rights lens to think about refugees and asylum-seekers; climate change; genetic engineering; privacy; the right to truth; and international humanitarian law. This class is interdisciplinary and discussion-based. We will be examining real-life cases from around the world and including the United States. Readings will include materials prepared by philosophers, historians, activists, lawyers, documentarians, anthropologists, and journalists, among others.

Students will prepare one midterm paper and a final presentation on an issue chosen in consultation with the instructor. Since this is a seminar, attendance and participation are mandatory.