Students are strongly advised to have taken a senior university course in any of political science, political economy, sociology, communications, economics or cultural theory
Political Science 450, Globalization and Human Rights, explores the relationship between the two themes. In recent years, courses on globalization and human rights have become standard offerings at many universities. However, they are usually taught as separate courses and do not consider the relationship between the two. This course explores how globalization and human rights are interrelated. It does not assume you are well versed in either but, rather, introduces each topic separately early in the beginning of the course and then joins them later in the course, examining their interdependence.
Outline
Unit 1: Human Rights, Origins, and Controversies
Unit 2: What is Globalization?
Unit 3: How are Human Rights and Globalization Interrelated?
Unit 4: Globalization, Human Rights, and Social Justice
Unit 5: Globalization and Social and Cultural Rights
Unit 6: Protecting and Promoting Human Rights—The State, the United Nations, and Civil Society
Unit 7: Transnational Advocacy, Globalization, and Human Rights—Two Case Studies
Unit 8: Corporate Social Responsibility—Can Corporations Promote Human Rights?
Evaluation
To receive credit for POLI 450,you must successfully complete three assignments and a final examination, and achieve a final grade of at least D (50 percent)
Activity
Weight
Complete by
Assignment 1: Critical Assessment Essay
15%
Upon completion of Unit 3
Assignment 2: Research Essay Proposal
15%
Upon completion of Unit 5
Assignment 3: Research Essay
35%
Upon completion of Unit 8
Final Examination
35%
Upon completion of Unit 8
Total
100%
The final examination for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Ellwood, W. (2015). Globalization: Buying and selling the world 4th ed. Toronto: Between the Lines (Print)
Fischlin, D, & M. Nandorfy. (2007).The concise guide to global human rights. Montreal, QC: Black Rose Books. (Print)
Hertel, S. (2006). Unexpected power: Conflict and change among transnational activists. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. (Print)
Other Materials
All other materials for POLI 450 may be accessed on-line.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the POLI 450 challenge registration, you must complete all required components, and achieve an overall grade of at least D (50 percent).
The Challenge option comprises a 100% final examination. To receive credit for the POLI 450 Challenge option, you must receive a grade of D or greater (i.e. 50% or greater) on the examination.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.