OBJECTIVES
The goal of this course is to explore issues around the arts as a manifestation of human rights and as an instrument for the promotion of human rights and social justice. Students will be exposed to tools and frameworks to identify ways in which human rights and social justice initiatives can be enhanced through the arts. They will exchange views about artistic manifestations that capture people’s attention and others that fail to communicate basic messages.
DESCRIPTION
The interdisciplinary domain of human rights relates to the realm of the arts in numerous ways, both conceptually and in terms of practice. The arts can provide humans with the invaluable opportunity of collective catharsis and healing; artistic creations are themselves exemplary manifestations of freedom of expression, often targeted by repressive regimes. In an era where many regions are undergoing profound transformation and leaders are challenging the most basic tenants of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this program seeks to explore the nexus between the arts and human rights to examine, reflect, (re)posit and debate, leading to alternative visions and propositions. The course features leading scholars, practitioners and artists and the curriculum blends traditional and artistic pedagogical methods.
ACADEMIC COMMITTEE
- Ramón Blanco Barrera | Professor — University of Seville
- María del Mar García Jiménez | Assistant Professor — University of Seville
- Viviana Fernandez | Associate Director, Human Rights Research and Education Centre (HRREC) — University of Ottawa
- Penelope Simons | Director, Human Rights Research and Education Centre (HRREC) — University of Ottawa