76099 Applied Human Rights Fieldwork

Notes

Students undertaking this subject must first be accepted into the 40K Globe Program. This program offers students the opportunity for practical experience in social entrepreneurship and education within an impoverished community in India.

Description

This subject involves a placement with 40K Globe together with academic learning about human rights law, and social and economic rights in particular. 40K Globe is a unique internship that offers students the chance to spend one month in rural India helping local villagers develop a sustainable solution for better access to education and employment. Students work in teams with students from other faculties and universities on a social impact project provided by 40K Globe in consultation with local communities. This subject links the study of human rights law with the practical implementation of social and economic rights, and the right to development. This equips students with an understanding of and critical thinking about the role and value of human rights in the context of a developing country. It also promotes cross-cultural awareness, adaptability and collaborative practices, and encourages self-awareness and ethical behaviour. The subject, like other internship subjects, provides a valuable supplement to students’ academic program that can enrich and enliven the classroom experience. As an international practical subject it also prepares students for global professional practice, particularly in the development and human rights fields.

The subject is taught at master's level. Students achieve the advanced subject learning outcomes of ethical judgment, critical reflection and professional responsibility through the following three components:

• self-study – through selected readings students examine certain topics of relevance to the practical component (the right to development, economic and social rights, and the practice of human rights), providing both a fundamental level of knowledge in each area and the ability to apply that knowledge to their experience in the field
• practical experience – four-week 40K Globe program where students work on a social impact project focused on health, education, employment, energy, food, water or other specific needs
• reflective journal – students consider the application of their legal knowledge to their practical experience by writing a critical reflection based on the first two components of the subject.