Courses

    This course provides an opportunity to explore the connections between global health and human rights. We begin by examining the emergence of health and human rights as a distinct field. Following this, we will carefully consider the meaning of the international right to health, stressing the material differences between civil and political rights, on the one hand, and economic, social, and cultural rights on the other. After exploring a series of foundational themes and issues through the first half of the semester, the remainder of the class will focus on in-depth case studies (e.g., HIV/AIDS, mental health, access to essential medicines, reproductive rights). While we will use the International Covenants on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and on Civil and Political Rights as the dominant legal instruments in our analyses, our discussions will also reference other international instruments, as well as a variety of national cases, constitutions and legislation.

This seminar provides opportunities for participants to engage in a research and writing project related to health and human rights. Participants will conduct independent research and scholarly writing on important problems at the intersection of population health and human rights.