Some of you know that I had a bit of an “awakening”, one of those “aha” experiences, in 2007 which led me to begin to study and try to practice the discipline of Peace and Conflict Studies with an emphasis on “Peace”. To understand the Practice of Peace you must actually practice it. Reading about it alone is not enough. Hoping a leader will come along and lead you to it simply will not do. We have learned to use violence whether, actual physical or structural violence, to achieve our goals often at the expense of others for millennia. We seem to find a limitless number of justifications for doing so. To challenge those justifications I developed the Building Peace and the Ecopsychology classes as an opportunity for us to continue the hard work of changing societies that support violence, essentially all of them. We have to unlearn our behaviors and embrace new attitudes and actions to create a more just and equitable world. For me it begins with basic human rights, the commitment to treat each person with equal respect and concern and offer them the same opportunities to live a meaningful life that I have had. We have yet to truly value human rights and commit to making them a reality for all. We first have to understand them. Towards this end I created the class “Sociology of Human Rights” that I am offering in the Fall 2019. You are welcome to attend if it fits into your life. If not I am attaching a syllabus for you in case it is something you want to explore independently.
The Think Peace Club, directly related to Human Rights, will also be meeting this semester. I will let you know where and when. If you can’t attend follow us on Facebook.
COURSE SYLLABUS
SOC 121 A Sociology of Human Rights
A
Monday, Wednesday: 1:00-2:25 p.m., O’Connell Building Room L006B
Fall 2019
Instructor: John van Bladel
Office Location/Office Hours: C 115 K:
From 9/4-10/8 – M, F: 8:30-9:00 a.m., T/Th: 3:30-4:00 p.m., F: 1:00-4:00 p.m or by appointment.
From 10/9 and on: T/Th: 2:00-3:30 p.m., F: 1:00-3 p.m. or by appointment.
Phone Number: (518) 736-3622 ext. 8912
Email: john.vanbladel@fmcc.suny.edu ***Use Blackboard to Communicate with Me
Website: N/A
Materials:
Required Textbooks:
Donnelly, Jack. Universal Human Rights: Theory and Practice, 3rd Edition. Cornell University, 2013.
Rosenberg, Marshall. Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, 3rd Edition. Puddle Dancer Press, 2015.
Course Description
SOC 121 – Sociology of Human Rights
An introductory course designed to explore the concept of human rights through an interdisciplinary approach including but not limited to personal, cultural, economic, political, and environmental rights. Human rights are fundamental rights which all human beings are entitled to, without discrimination, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Some of these rights include the right to: life, liberty, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from slavery, education, equality before the law, information, movement, and nationality. Students will explore various definitions of human rights, the development over time of human rights, and instances of human rights violations in a variety of contexts. Students will also develop solutions to human rights issues on a theoretical and practical level. 3 s.h.
Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: S.
Course Student Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate:
- a knowledge of the major concepts, models, and issues of human rights; and an understanding of what constitutes human rights violations and strategies to address human rights violations; and
- an understanding of the methods social scientists use to explore social (human rights) phenomena, including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection.
- effective communication and conflict resolution skills.
SUNY General Education SOCIAL SCIENCES Course Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate:
- understanding of the methods social scientists use to explore social phenomena (human rights), including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection; and
- knowledge of the major concepts, models, and issues of human rights and how they have developed.
Student Responsibilities
Current Events Summaries: Each student is required to submit 3 in-depth articles from newspapers, magazines, or journals relevant to the topics covered in class. Attach a brief description (minimum 250 words) summarizing the article, explaining why it is relevant to Human Rights, and any reactions you had to the article. For specific details follow the Current Event Scoring Matrix provided. Late assignments will result in a 10% grade reduction. Each current event is worth 30 points. 90 points total.
Four Short Quizzes: Both quiz and exam questions will be drawn from any or all of the following sources: any assigned readings including those posted on Blackboard, lectures, in-class group work, class discussion, related videos or short writing assignments. Each quiz is worth 20 points. 80 points total.
Midterm Project: From the list provided choose a human rights activist who interests you. Sign up on Blackboard listing your choice so we do not have duplications. You will then make a presentation to the class explaining their work. You may use PowerPoint or any other method which you choose. Feel free to be creative. You may choose to work with another class member on the presentation. Please prepare an outline and submit it to the instructor to review along with your presentation plan prior to the date you will present. 100 points total.
Final Project: This project will be a culmination of what you have learned during the semester and an application of theory to practice. In essence this exam begins on the first day of class and includes participation in one or more “field trips” or volunteer experiences. You will explain your contact with an agency or group which works to support human rights. Based on your experiences during the semester you will be asked to elucidate your own definition of human rights, how they can be supported, and what contributions you feel you can make. 130 points total (30 points for outline, 100 for presentation).
Class Participation and In-Class Group Work: You can earn up to 100 points, approximately 4 points per class, for intelligent and thoughtful participation. It is expected that you will follow the Learning Community Guidelines distributed during the first class.
Communication with your Professor
Stopping in during Office Hours or contacting me through Blackboard are your options. Before or after class works for a quick question but I generally am preparing for the immediate class or have a class or meeting scheduled afterwards so my time is limited in those instances. If you choose to communicate with me electronically I will only accept your communications through Blackboard. There are just too many technical problems that arise otherwise.
**Do not send me anything through google docs.**
Course Content and Outline
Schedule of Topics and Assignments:
September 4, 9 Introduction
Creating a Classroom Culture that Supports Learning.
Effective Communication Skills
Your Rights as a Human Being and a Student.
The Human Rights Perspective
September 11 Part I: Towards a Theory of Human Rights
Chapter 1 – The Concept of Human Rights (Donnelly)
Chapter 1 – Giving from the Heart (Rosenberg)
September 16 Chapter 1 – The Concept of Human Rights (continued)
Chapter 2 – Communication That Blocks Compassion (Rosenberg)
Current Event #1 due September 16th
September 18 Chapter 2 – The Universal Declaration Model (Donnelly)
Chapter 3 – Observing Without Evaluating (Rosenberg)
September 23 Chapter 2 – The Universal Declaration Model (continued)
Chapter 4 – Identifying and Expressing Feelings (Rosenberg)
** Quiz #1 – September 23rd
September 25 Chapter 3 – Economic Rights and Social Groups (Donnelly)
Chapter 4 – Equal Concern and Respect (Donnelly)
September 30 Part II: The Universality and Relativity of Human Rights
Chapter 5 – A Brief History of Human Rights (Donnelly)
Chapter 5 – Taking Responsibility for Our Feelings (Rosenberg)
***Final Project Outline Due***
October 2 Chapter 5 – A Brief History of Human Rights (continued)
Chapter 6 – The Relative Universality of Human Rights (Donnelly)
October 7 Chapter 6 – The Relative Universality of Human Rights (continued)
Chapter 6 – Requesting That Which Would Enrich Life (Rosenberg)
Current Event #2 Due – October 7th
October 9 Chapter 7 – Universality in a World of Particularities (Donnelly)
Chapter 7 – Receiving Empathically (Rosenberg)
**Quiz #2 – October 9th
October 14 Columbus Day – No Class
October 16-21 Mid-Term Presentations
October 23 Class Discussion: Where Are We Now And Where Do We Go?
October 28 Part 3: Human Rights and Human Dignity
Chapter 8 – Dignity: and Particularistic and Universalistic Conceptions in the West (Donnelly)
Chapter 8 – The Power of Empathy (Rosenberg)
October 30 Chapter 9 – Humanity, Dignity and politics in Confucian China (Donnelly)
Chapter 10 – Expressing Anger Fully (Rosenberg)
November 4 Chapter 10 – Humans and Society in Hindu Southeast Asia (Donnelly) Chapter 11 – Conflict Resolution and Mediation (Rosenberg)
**Current Events #3 Due – November 4th
November 6 Part IV: Human Rights and International Action
Chapter 11 – International Human Rights Regimes
** Quiz #3- November 6th
November 11 Veterans Day – No Class
November 13 Chapter 12 – Human Rights and Foreign Policy (Donnelly)
Chapter 12 – The Protective Use of Force (Rosenberg)
November 18 Part V: Contemporary Issues
Chapter 13 – Human Rights, Democracy, and Development (Donnelly)
Chapter 13 – Liberating Ourselves and Counseling Others (Rosenberg)
November 20 Chapter 14 – The West and Economic and Social Rights (Donnelly)
Chapter 14 – Expressing Appreciation in Nonviolent Communication (Rosenberg)
**Quiz #4 – November 25th
November 25-27 Chapter 15 – Humanitarian Intervention Against Genocide (Donnelly)
Chapter 16 – Non-Discrimination for All: The Case of Sexual Minorities
Environmental Discrimination
December 2-9 Final Project Presentations
December 11 Culminating Activity and Course Review
December 16-17 Make-up class/final. Specific date, time, and location to be determined.
Grading Method
Grading Scale
Student performance will be measured as follows:
Quiz #1-#4 80
Current Event Summaries 90
Midterm Exam 100
Final Project Outline 30
Final Project 100
Class Participation 100
500 total points
| A | 93% and above |
| A- | 90% – 92%, |
| B+ | 87% – 89% |
| B | 83% – 86%, |
| B- | 80% – 82%, |
| C+ | 77% – 79% |
| C | 70% – 76%, |
| D | 60% – 69% |
| F | below 60% |
You may calculate your grade at any point by adding your total points accumulated and dividing by 500.
(Example: 350 total points / 500 = 70%)
**Your grades will be posted on Powercampus.**
Attendance Policy
- It is expected that students will attend each class, having read all assigned materials. More than 5 absences will result in a letter grade reduction on your final grade. For example an A will be reduced to a B. Further absences will reduce your final grade by one half-grade per absence. For example a B will be reduced to a B-. Leaving at the break will be considered an absence,
- Lateness is discouraged and repeated lateness will lead to a 2 point reduction in your points for that day. Be respectful of your classmates – coming to class late is disruptive to everyone. Please follow the Learning Community and Civility Guidelines.
- Cell phones are to be turned off prior to entering class. If a potential emergency situation exists please put the cell phone on vibrate and notify the instructor. Text messaging during class is not allowed and will result in a partial or full loss of your participation points for that day (maximum of 4 points). If you are on your cell phone I do not consider you to be in attendance.
- Once you have entered the class I expect you to be there for the entire class. Take your bathroom or “bagel break” prior to or after the class. If you leave you will not be allowed back for that class and you will be marked absent. If you are ill or have an emergency you may leave but make me aware of the situation.
These expectations are in place to support each of you in being successful in class and in reaching your full potential. If I determine your behavior in class is impairing the ability of your classmates to learn you will be directed to leave the class. Please familiarize yourself with the FMCC Student Code of Conduct. I expect you to follow the Code. It is part of your education (see socioemotional education).
Students with Disabilities Policy:
Fulton-Montgomery Community College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, including core services, to qualified students with disabilities. For additional information, go to:
Academic Integrity Policy:
Academic integrity refers to a code of values that support and direct the education process. This code is based on legal, ethical, and educational concerns. Education in large part consists of the acquisition and demonstration of knowledge according to acceptable standards. Students must be familiar with these standards and will be held accountable for their use. Not being familiar with these standards is not an excuse for their breach. http://www.fmcc.edu/academics/programs/academic-integrity-policy/
Campus Civility Statement:
FM is committed to fostering an environment of civility. All members of the FM community and visitors have the right to experience and the responsibility to create and maintain an environment of mutual respect and support that is civil in all aspects of human relations. Civility facilitates professional growth and achievement and promotes an environment where each person can reach his or her full potential.
Diversity and Inclusion Vision Statement
FM strives to represent and embrace students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures and backgrounds and celebrate all people in a dynamic and inclusive culture. FM will be the multicultural center of the community it serves.
FM Sustainability Statement
The Sustainability Committee at FM looks for opportunities across campus that would reduce waste; maximize our energy efficiency; and minimize the College’s impact on the environment. The committee also looks for opportunities to foster awareness and education of sustainability efforts; large and small. Sustainability efforts at FM look to involve as many constituent groups on campus and in the local community as possible.
FMCC Writing Center
The Writing Center is an academic center, located in FM’s Learning Commons (Evans Library, first floor), where students can develop their college writing skills. Students may work with peer and professional tutors on any phase of the writing process: brainstorming a topic, preparing an outline, drafting and revising, and using specific documentation styles, like MLA, APA, and Chicago. Tutors will not edit students’ writing, but they will help students to identify their surface errors and/or consistent patterns in their own writing. Tutors are available to review grammar and citation rules and to guide students in their own writing processes.
The Writing Center is a drop-in tutoring center, staffed Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Online tutoring is also available through www.etutoring.org
Students have online access to tutorial support in Writing, Math, Statistics, Accounting, Information Literacy, Chemistry, Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology:
- Echat: virtually interact with an etutor in real time
- Equestions: submit a question and get a response within 48 hours
- Ewriting lab: submit a draft and receive in-text comments and a written response (within 48 hours) about your writing
Student can access eTutoring directly from any web browser or through their Blackboard courses, which have an embedded link (under the “Resource” tab) and a brief video on how to login and navigate eTutoring. Technical assistant is available online through the Helpdesk (support@cdlc.org) and on-campus through Colleen Sanders, The Writing Center Coordinator.
You Have FM Email.
All students have a Fulton-Montgomery Community College email address. This is the official way FM will communicate with you, so it’s important you know how to use it. **Remember however that any communication you have with me, John van Bladel, which is course related has to come through Blackboard. I will not accept it otherwise
How do I access FM email?
Your FM email account can be accessed through your MyFM account or at this URL: http://gmail.fmcc.edu
What is my User Name?
Your User Name is composed of your first initial of your first name and the first initial of your last name plus the last 5 digits of your Student Identification number (e.g. Suzy Student with Student ID number of P000000001 would be SS00001). The User Name is constructed from the official information that exists on the FM registration system.
What is my Password?
The initial password for your account is a random set of characters that was mailed to you separately. You may request this information in person from the Registrar’s Office upon verification of your identification. The password can then be changed through MyFM at https://portal.fmcc.edu