Syllabus

Human Rights and Democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa

Code
ARK227
Points
7.5 Credits
Level
Second Cycle
School
School of Culture and Society
Subject field
Religious Studies (RKA)
Group of Subjects
Religious Studies
Disciplinary Domain
Humanities, 100%
This course can be included in the following main field(s) of study
Religious Studies1
Progression indicator within (each) main field of study
1A1N
Approved
Approved, 23 August 2018.
This syllabus is valid from 23 August 2018.
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Learning Outcomes

After the course the student should be able to:
  • express deep knowledge of varying relationships between Human Rights issues, religions, and local traditions in Africa south of the Sahara, and the ability to convey this knowledge to various persons and groups
  • critically and independently analyze theories of Human Rights and democracy and their relevance for different societies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • articulate and consider hypothetical developments in the area of Human Rights and democracy in some Sub-Saharan contexts
  • show respect for the equal value of all human beings as well as for different cultural and religious traditions while relating them to Human Rights issues
  • evaluate one’s own learning process.

Course Content

During the course the student will be introduced to theories of Human Rights and Democracy, with a primary focus on their relevance for different Sub-Saharan societies. On the theoretical level, philosophical, legal and religious aspects of rights are treated. Possible conflicts between different kinds of rights are analysed, as e.g. claims for cultural and religious rights to self-determination versus individual rights.

Assessment

The students will be examined through their mandatory participation in seminars, regular papers and through writing a final report.

Forms of Study

The course consists of lectures, seminars and writing individual and group-papers.
Teaching is conducted in English.

Grades

The Swedish grades A–F.

Prerequisites

  • At least a Bachelor of Arts consisting of 180 higher education credits within the areas of Hu-manities, Social sciences or Education, or the equivalent.

Other Information

Replaces RK3015. Corresponds to RK3038, AS3007 and AS3015.