Prospectus

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Philosophical Theories of Rights

Course
2018-2019

Description

This course aims to acquaint the student with major approaches to the most important theories of rights available in political philosophy. Individual rights are fundamental to our conception of liberty and serve as a check on all forms of tyranny. However, political discourse on rights is confused and avails itself of theories of rights that stem from the most diverging (and often conflicting sources). The aim of this course is to provide the student with a knowledge and analytical grasp of the most dominant conceptions of rights.

Course objectives

  • systematic overview of the field

  • conceptual analysis

  • textual analysis

  • argumentative skills necessary for arguing a position in the field.

Mode of instruction

seminar

Course Load

Total course load: 280 hours, of which

  • Contact hours: 32

  • Studying literature: 124 hours

  • Preparing for and writing final paper: 124 hours

Assessment method

Final paper
Re-take: thorough revision of final paper

Blackboard

Blackboard is used for logistic/organizational purposes

Reading list

  • Jeremy Waldron (ed.) Theories of Rights, Oxford University Press, 1985

  • Assorted articles (to be announced)

Registration

See general information on tab 'Year 3'

Timetable

Timetable