You will explore global challenges such as conflicts, humanitarian and development assistance, migration and refugees, inequality and climate change through the interconnected perspectives of peace, justice, and human rights.

What will you do?

The world faces an array of pressing challenges; conflicts, natural disasters, migration and refugees, inequality, climate change, and polarised conversations or lack of collaboration, to name a few. In this course, you will examine these challenges through the interconnected lenses of peace, justice, and human rights, fostering a deeper understanding of how these concepts intersect across diverse issues. You will learn to analyse, evaluate, and address global problems while considering your potential for meaningful social impact. 

At the same time, terms like peace, justice, and human rights are frequently used in discussions about these challenges but often lack a deep understanding of their meaning, values, and implications. This course bridges that gap by equipping you with the knowledge and skills to use these concepts effectively and meaningfully in your personal and professional life. Whether you

aspire to be an advocate, policy advisor, or agent of change, this course will provide you with the tools to approach global challenges with insight and purpose. 

You will explore theoretical foundations in thematic areas such as gender and peacebuilding, global north-south equity, mixed migration and refugees, climate justice and degrowth, children’s rights, and global health. Through an individual applied research paper, you will deepen your knowledge in a selected area of interest. Additionally, you will collaborate in a group to create a multimedia advocacy product related to your chosen thematic area.

Your instructors bring direct experience from the professional fields of humanitarian and development assistance, global health, and social work, having worked with the United Nations or led non-profit organisations to achieve tangible impacts on people's lives. They will share insights into the real challenges faced in the fields of peace, justice, and human rights. Additionally, you will collaborate with professionals, conduct interviews, and develop a pitch to present your ideas to support their work.

• Students will critically analyse foundational theories and concepts of peace, justice, and human rights, assessing their application in both historical and contemporary contexts.
• Students will produce an applied research paper based on a thorough analysis of available literature and other information sources.
• Students will design multimedia advocacy products that integrate theoretical insights to develop impactful communication strategies.
• Students will articulate and present their findings and positions clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, tailoring their messages to diverse audiences.
• Students will collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds to co-create advocacy projects, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and multidisciplinary teamwork skills.
• Students will initiate the development of professional networks in the fields of peace, human rights, and justice.

Students should have a propaedeutic degree (or an equivalent) and should at least be enrolled in their second year of study. Motivation and commitment are key to enrolment.

Literature and other materials will be announced to students at least one week before each session. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this course, specific books cannot be provided. Materials will be drawn from the fields of international human rights, public policy-making, social impact and advocacy, global sociology, international law, and related disciplines.

Teaching methods for this course include interactive lectures, workshops, seminars, guest lectures, consultation hours, group assignments, individual assignments, participation in events, research paper writing, reflection writing, presentations, and readings. Significant individual and group coaching and mentoring will also be provided.

Assessments Breakdown:

• Written Exam (individual) – 20%
• Applied Research Paper (individual) – 30%
• Oral Exam (Advocacy and Awareness Impact Campaign Pitch) (group) – 10%
• Portfolio (Advocacy and Awareness Impact Campaign) (Group) – 40%