COURSE CURRICULUM

Human Rights program at Laurier, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, challenges, and applications of human rights in contemporary society. In the first year, students build a solid foundation through core courses such as Fundamentals of Human Rights and Key Issues in Human Rights, which introduce critical concepts, historical contexts, and the legal, social, and ethical frameworks that shape human rights practice. First-year electives allow students to explore complementary perspectives, including Introduction to International Development, Introduction to Criminology, Leadership Foundations, and Introduction to Indigenous Studies, providing opportunities to understand the global and local dimensions of human rights issues, social justice, and leadership in diverse communities. As students progress to upper-year courses, they engage with specialized topics such as Crimes Against Humanity, Children’s Rights, and Human Trafficking, delving deeply into contemporary human rights challenges, legal frameworks, advocacy strategies, and policy responses. These courses emphasize critical thinking, ethical reasoning, research skills, and practical applications, preparing students to analyze complex social problems and propose effective solutions. The curriculum is designed to cultivate knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities that equip graduates to pursue careers in law, social work, international development, policy, fundraising, advocacy, and other professions focused on advancing social justice and protecting human rights both locally and globally.