Human Rights

Students will develop knowledge and skills relevant to a wide range of opportunities in the public and private sector both locally and internationally.  Graduates of the program have gone on to find work in government, advocacy, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations such as the United Nations.  A Major in Human Rights is an excellent background for law school or graduate school. A Minor in Human Rights is a strong and relevant supplement for students pursuing various careers such as those in business, human resources, criminal justice, or health sciences.

Introduction to Global Citizenship traces the historical development of the idea of "global citizenship," interrogating the meanings, contradictions and contentions associated with this term. Through guest speakers and student research on specific issues and injustices that are present in Manitoba communities, and which also have global connections or manifestations, students examine current practices aimed at fostering global citizenship.

History of Human Rights in Canada examines the history of human rights within the Canadian context including key federal, provincial and municipal legislation as well as critical human rights institutions. This course explores the evolution of human rights in Canada in relation to their international counterparts, and historical discrimination in Canada in areas such as immigration, employment and housing, internment of minority populations, gender, sexuality, antisemitism, and treatment of Indigenous peoples.

Concepts and Conventions in Human Rights explores the historical development of human rights, concepts and the major international human rights conventions and instruments. Students become familiar with the breadth of the landscape of human rights including political, civil, social, economic, and cultural rights.

• Human Rights Institutions
• Models of Transitional Justice
• Refugees, Resettlement and Resilience
• Emerging Issues in Human Rights
• Global Human Rights Advocacy
• Human Rights Approaches to Health

HR-1200 (3) Introduction to Global Citizenship
WGS-1232 (6) Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies
RHET-1102(3) Academic Writing: Social Sciences, RHET-1101(3) Academic Writing: Humanities, or any other section of Academic Writing (if required)
6 credit hours Humanities
12-15 credit hours Electives

NOTE: This sample first year is representative of the courses you may take. For many of our programs, you may choose another set of courses and still be well on your way to a degree. Also, for most programs you do not have to take 30 credit hours (five full courses) in your first year.