African Studies: Human Rights and Democracy in Africa South of the Sahara

After completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• show in-depth knowledge about the relationship between issues of human rights, religion, and local traditions in Africa south of the Sahara, and the ability to convey this knowledge to others
• critically and independently analyze theories of human rights and democracy and their relevance for different societies in Africa south of the Sahara.
• formulate and discuss possible development scenarios in the area of human rights and democracy in some contexts south of the Sahara
• show respect for different cultural and religious traditions while relating them to human rights issues
• evaluate his or her own learning process.

During the course the student will be introduced to theories of human rights and democracy, with a primary focus on their relevance for different societies south of the Sahara. On a theoretical level, philosophical, legal and religious aspects of rights are discussed. Possible conflicts between different kinds of rights are analyzed, such as claims for cultural and religious rights to autonomy versus individual rights.

The students will be evaluated through mandatory participation in seminars, regular papers and a final written home examination.

The course consists of lectures, seminars and written individual papers.
Teaching is in English.

The Swedish grades A–F.

Replaces AS3007.