JSB270 Global Justice and Human Rights


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:JSB270
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:96 credit points of study
Equivalent:JSB260
Coordinator:Morgan Rees | morgan.rees@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

In an increasingly globalised world, justice professionals are frequently faced with challenges that are international in scope. Human rights abuses, environmental instability, poverty, conflict and regional instability act as obstacles to the maintenance of domestic order and international peace and security, as well as an individual's capacity to live a dignified life. This unit explores challenges to human rights in a global context, with a focus on human rights violations during conflict, issues of justice and equity associated with the movement and migration of people, and the human rights environment for marginalised communities. The unit also introduces students to theories of global justice as a lens through which to understand human rights. This unit will assist students to understand challenges in the global context and how they might work to address them.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Explain theories and practices of global justice and human rights with reference to contemporary issues and contexts. (CLOs 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.4, 6.2)
  2. Critically assess international efforts aimed at preventing and punishing global injustices. (CLOs 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 4.2, 6.2)
  3. Produce an output for a real world task using reflection to support practice. (CLO 3.3, 5.2, 5.3)
  4. Communicate effectively for academic and professional purposes, using appropriate information sources and formats (CLOs 3.1, 3.2, 4.1,)
  5. Apply theory and evidence to issues of global injustice to propose or advocate a policy response within a social justice framework (CLOs 1.3, 2.3, 2.4, 4.3)

Content

This unit will provide the students with a broad understanding of injustice in a global context. It will explore the different ways that individuals and groups pursue justice and accountability for human rights violence. Students will examine the concepts of human rights, sovereignty, and human security. Topics to be covered in weekly lectures include: War and conflict, migration and asylum, climate and environmental justice, indigenous rights, transitional justice, development and public health emergencies, peacekeeping and peace building. 

Learning Approaches

This unit will be offered to both internal and online students. Internal mode delivery is via a two-hour lectorial. Online mode delivery is via the recorded lectorial.

Assessment items will provide students with an opportunity to develop key skills that will be required for a career in this field.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester that may include:

  • informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
  • formal: in writing, e.g. criteria sheets, written commentary
  • direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
  • indirect: to the whole class.

Assessment

Overview

The assessment consists of summative and formative items.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Presentation

Students will select an International Treaty or Convention discussed during the first four weeks of the course. They will then record a 10 minute presentation that analyses and reflects on one Country's progress fulfilling their obligations outlined in the treaty. As part of their presentation students should provide suggestions for how the Country can improve its human rights record in this area. 

The oral report should be presented from the perspective of their chosen Country to the Committee responsible for overseeing Treaty Compliance. 

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 40
Length: 10 mins
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 6
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Assessment: Human Rights Report

Students will produce report on one of the key global justice and human rights issues provided. Students will need to conduct extensive research to consider the extent and nature of the problem, and examine the implications and opportunities that are faced in addressing the issue. 

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 60
Length: 3000 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 4, 5

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

There is no set text for this unit. There will be required reading for each week available on QUT readings. Students are encouraged too read widely and to make use of a wide variety of resources available on Canvas, including podcasts, and videos. 

Risk Assessment Statement

Students are advised that some content in justice units may be confronting. If you are concerned that the content of a unit may impact your completion of the course, please see the unit coordinator. You can also access free student counselling through QUT Counselling via the QUT Student Homepage.