Human Rights, Inequalities, Discrimination and Social Transformation

Recommended Prerequisites

The same prerequisites for being accepted in the doctoral program, including English proficiency.

Teaching Methods

The seminar is organized in presential sessions, with a brief initial presentation of the lecturer and the subsequent extended and shared discussion on the part of students to whom it will be given access to the recommended bibliography prior to each session.
The following methodologies will be used:

- combination of expository method with shared exercises of critical and horizontal analysis

- use of the audiovisual methods

- bibliographic and thematic research in paper and digital format

- promotion and participation in workshops, conferences and debates

- oral presentation of work and ongoing support via email and weekly in-class support (office hours)

- provision of bibliography and other resources through on-line environments.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this subject are expected to:

- identify main concepts and fundamental theoretical instruments to address discrimination

- understand the complex dynamics of processes of exclusion and discrimination

- comprehend the impacts of ‘othering', as well as its implications regarding violence in contemporary societies

- be able to critically examine cultural, political and social factors contributing to social transformation

- develop theoretical and research skills useful to carry on research in these topics

- acquire essay writing competency particularly the capability to synthesize and discuss different points of view as well as to critically present new arguments.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Social movements against discrimination I - the women's movement;

Gendered violence, feminism and human rights;

Social movements against discrimination II - the disabled people's movement;

Disability and human rights;

Social movements against discrimination III - the LGBT movement;

Transsexualities, embodiment and recognition;

Health as a fundamental human right: biomedical, patient and policy responses;

Human rights, public space and the city;

Hate crimes and vulnerability;

Access to information as a fundamental human right - the role of the media;

Racism, migration and human rights;

Indigenous peoples' rights and transitional justice.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ana Cristina Alvarez Caiano da Silva Santos

Assessment Methods

Continuous
Regular attendance of sessions: 20.0%
Paper submission: 40.0%
Oral presentation: 40.0%

Bibliography

Barnes, C.; Mercer, G. 2010. Exploring Disability. Cambridge: Polity.

Hellum, A. 2007. Human Rights, Plural Legalities, and Gendered Realities: paths are made by walking. Harare: Southern and Eastern African Regional Centre for Women's Law, University of Zimbabwe: Weaver Press.

Merry, S.E. 2006. Human rights and gender violence: translating international law into local justice. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Richardson, B. J.; S. Imai and K. McNeil (orgs.) 2009. Indigenous Peoples and the Law: comparative and critical perspectives. Oxford; Portland, Or. : Hart.

Roulstone, A (org.). 2012. Disability, Hate Crime and Violence. Routledge.

Ruiz Vieytez, E. J.; R. Dunbar. 2007. (orgs.) Human rights and diversity: new challenges for plural societies. Bilbao: University of Deusto.

Santos, A.C. 2012. Social Movements and Sexual Citizenship in Southern Europe. Basingstoke: Palgrave.

Stychin, C.; Herman, D. (orgs.) 2000. Sexuality in the Legal Arena. London: The Athlone Press