Human Rights Study Project (YR)

LAW9254
Section 1, Fall 23

Schedule Information

Enrollment: 6/7
Credits: 1
Days Time Room Start Date End Date

Tue

 		1130-1250 SL268

Course Description

The Human Rights Study Project (HRSP) is an immersive yearlong course, spanning three credits, designed to equip students with the necessary skills to engage in comprehensive human rights research and contribute to original scholarship in the field. With a particular focus on Kenya for the 2023/24 academic year, the HRSP comprises three primary components, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. During the fall term, participants of the project will gather weekly for a seminar-style discussion. Through these engaging sessions, students will delve into the analysis of specific investigative techniques while critically examining practicalities and ethical considerations associated with human rights research. The J-Term provides students with a unique opportunity to engage in guided fieldwork, reinforcing their understanding of human rights in practice. Under the guidance of faculty, students will immerse themselves in the Kenyan context, focusing on the vital issues of economic and social rights, particularly concerning access to healthcare and justice for victims of gender-based violence and individuals with mental disabilities. In the spring term, students will consolidate their fieldwork experiences and insights by crafting individual research papers. The HRSP strategically leverages the Ampath agreement, of which UVA is a member, as a valuable ally in the pursuit of human rights advocacy. Building upon this partnership, the project will facilitate meaningful connections with local activists, scholars, and policy experts during the week-long trip to Kenya in the winter term.

Course Requirements

Exam Information

Final Type (if any): None

Description: None

Written Work Product

Students will prepare for human rights fieldwork including interviewing techniques, fact-finding, and the practicalities of human rights research. During the Spring semester, after the completion of the fieldwork undertaken during Winter break, students will draft a paper, due via EXPO on or before noon on April 25th (the day before the last day of the spring finals period). NOTE: the paper cannot be used for the Upper Level Writing Requirement unless a student will have satisfied their Prof. Skills requirement already, AND only if the student timely submits the Upper-Level Writing "Special Request" form (available via LawWeb).

Other Work

Students will perform fieldwork during winter break (location TBD).

Other Course Details

Prerequisites: International Human Rights Law is recommended, but not required. Because the credits in this course count toward the JD Program Professional Skills requirement, JD candidates will be given enrollment priority for this class. Concurrencies: None

Exclusive With: None

Laptops Allowed: Yes

First Day Attendance Required: No

Course Resources: To be announced.

Course Notes: Enrollment in this year-long course is determined by application to the instructor. Interested students must send a resume and a 2-page essay explaining their reasons for wanting to take the course. Students must email their applications to Professor Camilo Sanchez (csanchez@law.virginia.edu) no later than July 7, 2023. Admitted students will be notified of acceptance shortly thereafter. SRO will enroll the students selected for participation in the HRSP. No enrollment action will be required by the student. Please, bear in mind that (1) space in the Project is limited. If the number of applications exceeds the number of slots available, some applicants will be denied admission for lack of space, and (2) by submitting your application, you give your commitment that if granted enrollment in the course, you will carry through with participation in the program throughout the coming academic year. All international travel undertaken by students for University-related purposes is subject to the UVA Policy on Student International Travel, so the trip and logistical details (travel and lodging arrangements, etc) are subject to restrictions and/or cancellation by the University at any time. Students are urged to review the "Study Abroad Guidelines" on LawWeb, and failing to adhere to pre-departure advice and guidance could result in a student being withdrawn from the course without course credit. CREDITS: This year-long course carries 3 credits -- 1 earned at the conclusion of the fall term on a Satisfactory (S)/Unsatisfactory (U) basis, and 2 earned at the conclusion of the spring term on a letter-graded basis.

Graduation Requirements

Satisfies Understanding Bias/Racism/Cross-Cultural Competency requirement: Yes

Satisfies Writing Requirement: No

Credits For Prof. Skills Requirement: Yes

Satisfies Professional Ethics: No

Additional Course Information

Schedule No.: 123819929

Modified Type: Simulation (Excl.)

Cross Listed: No

Concentrations: Human Rights and Civil Liberties , International and National Security Law

Evaluation Portal Via LawWeb Opens: Friday, November 24, 12:01 AM

Evaluation Portal Via LawWeb Closes: Friday, December 08, 11:59 PM

Information reflected on this page was last refreshed at: Friday, May 03, 2024 - 7:04 AM *

*During open enrollment periods, live enrollment data may be found in SIS.