Competing Visions of Human Rights

A Summer Leadership Institute for Teachers
July 6 - 9, 2010

human rightsOver the past several decades, human rights discourse has permeated international relations, creating a surge in treaties, institutions, and social movements centered on the concept. Yet while the general principle of human rights has been broadly accepted, human rights abuses persist and the intricacies of the subject remain hotly contested. What exactly constitutes human rights? Are these rights universal or culturally relative? How are they prioritized and implemented, and what action should be taken to protect them? These questions have significant implications for the policy decisions of governments and ultimately for the lives of individuals.

The Choices Summer Institute will give participating teachers an opportunity to examine the concept of human rights and the challenges of enforcing human rights at an international level. Using the Choices curriculum, participants will also explore effective instructional strategies for engaging adolescents in the topic. Major themes covered during this institute include:

  • cultural relevance vs. the universality of human rights
  • state sovereignty vs. international institutions and expanding international law
  • humanitarian law and humanitarian intervention
  • the role of human rights in foreign policy
While in attendance at Brown University’s Watson Institute for International Studies, participating teachers will learn from leading scholars in the fields of international law and foreign policy. Working collaboratively, teachers will also have opportunities to develop and share relevant lessons with other dedicated and innovative teachers.

Download application

 

Application Deadline: April 16, 2010.

You may submit your application via email, fax, or mail.

email: Choices@brown.edu

fax : 401-863-1247

or mail to:

The Choices Program
Competing Visions of Human Rights Institute
Brown University, Box 1948
Providence, RI 02914

Who Should Apply

The Choices Summer Institute is designed to stimulate and support secondary-level educators who are interested in teaching international issues and are prepared to take on leadership roles within their schools and communities. Applicants should have experience teaching social studies at the secondary level, be familiar with the Choices approach, and have an interest in introducing other teachers to the Choices Program. Twenty teachers from across the nation will be selected to participate.

Expenses Covered

The cost of the institute, housing and meals will be covered. All participating teachers will receive curriculum materials from the Choices Program. Participants will be responsible for their own travel expenses.

 

NOTE: The Choices Program 2010 Summer Institute is being made possible with the generous support of the Cranaleith Foundation.