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 blended traditional and artistic pedagogical methods.

ACADEMIC COMMITTEE

• John Packer | Director, Human Rights Research and Education Centre (HRREC) — University of Ottawa
• María del Mar García Jiménez | Assistant Professor — University of Seville
• Ramón Blanco Barrera | Professor — University of Seville
• Viviana Fernández | Associate Director, Human Rights Research and Education Centre (HRREC) — University of Ottawa

PROFESSORS

• Marina Aksenova | IE University (International Criminal Law)
• Van Armenian | University of Ottawa (Music)
• Omid BiabaniMilani | University of Ottawa (Law)
• Ramón Blanco Barrera | University of Seville (Drawing)
• David Cano García | ED Filmmakers
• Oonagh Fitzgerald | Concordia University (Transdisciplinary International law-arts research-creation - TILARC)
• María del Mar García Jiménez | University of Seville (Drawing)
• Eduardo Herrero Vázquez | University of Seville (Graphic Engineering)
• Catherine Kessedjian | University of Panthéon-Assas, Paris II (Law)
• John Packer | HRREC — University of Ottawa (Law)
• Jaime Puig Guisado | University of Seville (Language and Literature and Integrated Philology)
• Carolina Rinaldi | CIES Onlus
• Montserrat Torras Salvador | Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (ESMUC) and Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu (Music)