Human Rights of Women

Key information

Status
Module not running
Module code
15PLAC112
FHEQ Level
7
Credits
30
Department
School of Law, Gender and Media

Module overview

Please note this module is not running in 2023/24.

The international legal instruments for the guarantee of women's civil, political, economic and social rights will be examined for students to acquire knowledge and understanding of the basic texts and the international monitoring mechanisms. Detailed attention will be paid to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, 1979.

The impact of certain conceptual assumptions within international law, and human rights law in particular, that militate against the adequate protection of women's rights will be considered. After an examination of the general framework, more detailed attention will be given to certain topics including the family, reproductive rights, violence against women, including in armed conflict, refugees, children's rights and development policies.

The module will finally consider the question of whether international human rights law is an appropriate vehicle for the furtherance of women's interests.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

  • Reflect critically on the role of international and regional human rights law as it applies to women in practice and be aware of both its benefits and constraints as an analytical and normative framework
  • Understand and analyse the application of international human rights instruments in and to specific situations
  • An ability to engage with the various theoretical and critical approaches to human rights and gender issues
  • An ability to carry out independent legal research using a law library and legal electronic resources
  • An ability to construct written and oral legal argument to a high standard

Method of assessment

  • Essay/policy paper/legal opinion: 50% (4000 words)
  • Unseen written exam: 50%

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.