Understanding Human Rights
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The principles enshrined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights have become the yardsticks by which many people today measure "human progress." But this has not resulted in dramatic declines in either the frequency or viciousness of human rights abuses across much of the globe. Militarized violence, political and economic oppression, sectarian strife, disease and grinding poverty continue to cripple the lives of ever-growing numbers of people. In this FIG we will confront this disheartening reality head on, with an eye to unraveling the dominant political, economic, social and historical forces that have seemingly conspired to deny even the most basic of human rights to so many. We will also explore positive examples of people's successful assertion of their human rights. Africa---that vast and diverse continent which is now home to more than 970 million people living in 54 different countries---will provide the geographical and historical focus of this FIG. Africa 277 will deepen your appreciation of the complex geography, history and cultural diversity of this fascinating continent. You will also learn about the tremendous abuses inflicted upon its people during the slave trade and the colonial era. International Relations (PS 103) will provide you with a global perspective within which to situate your growing knowledge of Africa . And your main FIG course will challenge you to apply the historical and analytic perspectives you have gained to a series of compelling case study examples of major "human rights" struggles taking place on continent today. Your main FIG course will be "writing-intensive," providing you with ample opportunities to reflect on perspectives gained in all three courses.

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