Rebecca Pendleton

3 credits

This 3-credit seminar will provide an overview of international human rights advocacy beginning with the history of the international human rights movement and different theoretical perspectives about human rights advocacy. The seminar will also analyze the process by which human rights law is made, the various human rights actors and stakeholders, and the interplay between international human rights mechanisms and domestic legal systems and movements. Throughout we will consider what makes for effective human rights advocacy and what are the major critiques of the human rights movement. In order for students to develop the skills necessary to become practicing human rights lawyers and activists, the seminar will also include skills-oriented sessions and case rounds. Class exercises and simulations will help foster the development of lawyering and advocacy skills. Case rounds will give students the opportunity to present on their work, reflect on theory and practice, and solicit class feedback and discussions about challenges faced in their projects. GRADING NOTICE: This course does not offer the CR/NC/H option. ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT: Because the course involves regular in-class exercises, some of which are done in teams, and class participation is a significant component of a student's final grade, regular class attendance is essential and thus the course normally does not accommodate flexibility in attendance. RESTRICTION Students may not enroll in both International Human Rights in Practice and International Human Rights (S): LAW JD 991

2 credits

This specialized law course is designed to equip legal professionals with the language skills necessary to effectively communicate and engage with Spanish-speaking clients, witnesses, and colleagues within the legal field. This is not a language class in the technical sense but rather a law-related skills class focusing on discussing legal matters in Spanish to allow students to better understand legal concepts and issues. The course focuses on teaching legal terminology, phrases, and communication techniques in Spanish, tailored specifically for legal contexts such as negotiations, client consultations, court proceedings, and legal document drafting. Students learn to navigate legal conversations, comprehend, and produce legal documents, and develop cultural sensitivity to better serve Spanish-speaking clients within the legal system. This class aims to enhance the linguistic abilities of lawyers, enabling them to bridge language barriers and provide more comprehensive legal services in multicultural settings. The instructor will not spend a great deal of time on correcting individual slips and grammar syntax, unless the error risks changing the meaning of what the student may be trying to express or explain. Students with different levels of fluency are welcome to enroll in the class, however all students must possess a foundational understanding of both spoken and written Spanish. This is essential because communication between the instructor and students will predominantly occur in Spanish, minimizing the use of English during the course.