Corporations and Human Rights

This course is designed to allow students to learn about the growing importance of human rights and their impact in today's world. Through an in-depth examination of the field of business and human rights, students will gain an understanding of the existing and emerging international human rights framework relevant to business, learn ways in which business and human rights intersect, and be exposed to the range of methods and tactics being employed by human rights advocates and businesses to address their human rights impacts. By the end of the course, the student will have a firm grasp of the current business and human rights debates and be able to critically evaluate the efficacy of applying human rights standards to corporations and the effect of corporate practices on human rights. Classroom discussion will include a review of trends in human rights, the development of human rights principles or standards relevant to corporations, human rights issues facing business operations abroad, the growing public demand for greater accountability, strategies of civil society advocacy around business and human rights; collaborative efforts between business and non-profit organizations; and other issues managers must deal with. Through guest lectures, students can engage with business managers and advocacy professionals dealing with these issues firsthand. Attendance is mandatory in the first class session.