Understanding human rights in the headlines – crash course in human rights to read the news with confidence
This course will give you an introduction to the relevant sections of human rights law which will help you think critically and intelligently on what the you see in the news about human rights.
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 07 Jul 2025End Date: 21 Jul 2025Mon (Daytime): 15:00 - 17:00In PersonFull fee £79.00 Senior fee £63.00 Concession £51.00
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What is the course about?
This course will be fun, accessible and serve as an introduction to human rights. There will be an introduction which will briefly look at the inception of human rights and the start of the UN as well as what happened in Europe. This will set a backdrop to the Human Rights Act which is essential to understanding in relation to human rights and current affairs. We will cover legal processes along with how different courts have interpreted human rights. This course is aimed at people who want to be able to digest human rights in the news and know the basic structure
What will we cover?
In this course, we will cover the following aspects of human rights history and practice:
- the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and the UN
- the Convention of Human Rights 1950 and the European Court of Human Rights
- The Human Rights Act 1998 in Britain
- What human rights might mean for you as an individual in 2025
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- understand where Human Rights come from
- demonstrate knowledge of the structures involved in human rights law
- read court decisions on human rights in England and Europe
- understand how human rights are and can be used in 2025
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An ability and willingness to explore relevant shared resources will increase what you get out of the course.
However, as with most of our history, politics and current affairs courses, an open mind and a respectful willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
Given the sensitive nature of some of the topics the course will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This will be delivered in an inclusive and safe environment. It will involve the tutor teaching basic structures around Human Rights law but also inviting commentary and questions. Learners will be invited to use the knowledge that they are taught to apply it to a news story that they read outside class and bring it to the next class. Those learners who want to talk about what they have read will be invited to contribute.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No added costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper for note-taking or a digital equivalent.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Your tutor will share progression courses with you but please also explore our politics, economics and current affairs courses for related topics: Politics, Economics & Current Affairs Courses in London & Online | City Lit
Josh is an activist and academic in Law. His areas are Human Rights, Sexuality and (Post-)Colonialism, and he teaches at various universities across London in Law and Social Work. He has spent many years campaigning for the international decriminalisation of same-sex activity as part of various NGOs. Josh has cerebral palsy, which affects his speech; his assistant will be on hand while everyone gets to know him. All Josh's classes are taught in a non-judgemental and safe space, regardless of content. He is also a disability activist, and provides disability consultancy for around twenty different organisations; and is the co-creator of the award-winning 'Animal', a play on Sexuality, reliance and disability. He volunteers in the mental health sector and has delivered training in this area for many years. This term he is teaching a class on Sexuality and Colonialism, and another class on Introduction to Human Rights Law. He will be running a class on Disability in the new year.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.