Course description

This course will introduce students to the law, theory, and practice of international human rights. Students will think critically about the effectiveness of the international human rights system by examining its successes, failures, and dilemmas in preventing and responding to human rights abuse. Topics covered will include the origins and foundations of international human rights; the role of international, regional, and domestic institutions and actors in enforcing human rights; critiques of the human rights movement; and the relationship of the United States to the international system for the protection of human rights. The course will also explore issues such as the death penalty, women’s human rights, migration, climate change, global poverty, and responses to mass atrocity. During in-class simulations and other activities, students will have the opportunity to step into the shoes of a human rights advocate and work with their classmates to address human rights problems.

In observance of Independence Day, the course will not meet on Tuesday, July 4

Summer 2023: Online course

Elizabeth Brundige
Elizabeth Brundige
Clinical professor of law, assistant dean for international programs, and Jack G. Clarke Executive Director of International and Comparative Legal Studies, Cornell Law School
Section ID:GOVT 3887 001-LEC
Number:1273
Session:Summer 3-week 2
Class dates:June 20-July 7, 2023
Final exam/project due:Friday July 07, 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM / Online (see Final exams)
Time / room:M-F 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM / Online
MW 12 PM - 1 PM / Online
Mode of instruction:Online (sync)
Credit:3
Grade:Graded only
Instructor:Brundige, E. (eb456)
Max. enroll:35
Eligibility:

Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors

See Eligibility for Summer Courses.

To enroll:

See Apply for Online Courses.

See Dates & Deadlines.

See Online Learning FAQs.

This course is open to all registrants, including undergraduates and precollege students.

Tuition & fees:See Tuition for Online Courses

Student experiences

"This program is an invaluable experience, and I am so grateful to be here. I get to learn about international law and how to implement it and how to be a human rights advocate. One day, when I finish law school, I'll be one of the leaders helping to give voice to people who don't have one."

"As our time at Cornell came to an end, a few of my friends and I ... decided to form an organization, Fight for Human Rights, through which we could share our experiences, write articles and opinion pieces, and even empower other teenagers looking to partake in similar actions in their respective communities. I am thrilled to be part of something so constructive, and I look forward to bringing change, even if it is small, to my own community."