In the first classroom session, basic concepts of the rule of law, civil society and fundamental human rights will be taught. The rule of law and civil society section will cover ideas such as popular participation and democracy, constitutional principles, basic governmental systems (e.g. parliamentary), the role of government and the importance of an independent judiciary. The introduction to human rights and fundamental freedoms will present the basic concepts such as the right to life, freedom from torture, freedom of speech, press and association, and labor rights.

Students will also learn basic information gathering techniques to prepare them for the first field experience. These include how to ask proper questions and how to practice gender and cultural sensitivity and patience. Basic photography skills will also be taught, as well as simple observation techniques for examining the environment.

1 Week: Orientation, Trust Workshops and Information Sharing

2 Weeks: Government

1 Week: Public Speaking and Intro to Report Writing

2 Weeks: Law & International Institutions

2 Weeks: Nonviolence and Social Change

1 Week: Human Rights

1 Week: The Environment

1 Week: Fact-finding

1 Week: Preparation for Field Projects

The objective of the second session is to provide the students with more substantive information on human rights, the environment and the link between them, as well as teach fundraising, writing and community organizing skills. Scattered throughout the second session will be workshops on report writing in order to help the students develop their final paper. These topics will include how to choose a topic, write an outline, research, write drafts and organize a paper. These skills will be integrated into the substantive chapters as much as possible, i.e. students will practice them in their shorter homework assignments.

1 Week: Earth Rights: Linking Human Rights and the Environment

1 Week: Transnational Corporations

2 Weeks: International Financial Institutions and Sustainable Energy Policy

2 Weeks: Community Organizing & Networking

1 Week: Advocacy & Campaigning

3 Weeks: Earth Rights & International Law—Human Rights Treaties (1 Week), Women’s Rights (1 Week), Environmental Treaties (1 Week)

1 Week: Federalism and Ethnicity

1 Week: Fundraising

The bulk of the third classroom session will be spent evaluating the final field session. Students will work in small groups as well as one-on-one with the teachers to prepare their individual written reports and press releases. After the release of the reports, there will be a short summary and review period before final written and oral exams. Finally, students will be asked for written evaluations of the school curriculum, teaching methodologies and general school living situation; students will also be asked for individual exit interviews. We will hold closing ceremonies, including graduation and certification.

2 Weeks: Review and Sharing of Info collected by students in the field.

Introduction to Advocacy Techniques

Dealing with the media or diplomats

Practice speaking Abilities

Write short reports

Arranged interviews with the media to practice advocacy skills

3 Weeks: Review

Reinforce central concepts and clarify

Exam Period

Study time

Written and oral exams

Evaluation

Graduation

uman Rights Practice, 2^nd. Ed. by Hurts Hannum, (1994), p. 249-265

Course Introduction

Syllabus

Reading Materials