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Program Overview

Study human rights, where they come from and why they need to be protected.

At Agnes Scott you'll examine the relationships between religion, politics, arts and international organizations and how they impact human rights across the globe.

Human rights have become a central and widely recognized standard for assessing a just and good society, judging good government, protecting vulnerable groups and identifying standards for upholding human dignity. The human rights minor provides an academic space for addressing these concerns and for asking difficult moral and political questions. The courses listed in the minor provide a framework for analysis, and the internship—which requires students to complete a project reflecting on the theory and practice of human rights—links the classroom with practical experience.

A Human Rights minor student listens and takes notes during class.

What You'll Learn

The minor incorporates a variety of disciplines, including literature, history, philosophy, political science, religion, sociology, anthropology, and women’s studies. You'll learn:

  • To define and differentiate human rights and communicate about them effectively through writing and speech
  • Historical, social, political, cultural and economic processes and their effects on current events
  • International human rights issues, laws and policies

Program Highlights

Combine Classroom Theory with Real-World Practice

A well-rounded academic understanding of human rights—through diverse teaching styles, analytical tools and fields of study—is only the beginning. Our program will challenge you to integrate your exploration of the core questions of human dignity with critical and practical examinations of the institutions designed to promote and protect human rights in the contemporary world.

Learn Hands On Through Internships

A central component of the minor in human rights is an internship, where you will be required to link what you have learned in the classroom with practical experience. To fulfill this requirement you can propose projects and experiences in local and international venues.

Participate in Study Abroad

You can witness human rights promotion and protection at work through the faculty-led Global Awareness program or any relevant college-approved study-abroad program. Contact the Office of Global Learning for a list of all international programs with a human rights focus.

Meet the Faculty

Lara Denis

Lara Denis

Professor of Philosophy, Director of the Ethics Program

Doug Falen

Douglas J. Falen

Professor of Anthropology/Chair of Sociology and Anthropology

Tina Pippin

Tina Pippin

Wallace M. Alston Professor of Bible and Religion

James Stamant

James Stamant

Visiting Assistant Professor of English

Working in Human Rights

Prepare yourself for a career in social justice, advocacy, and upholding the standards for a just and good society.

This program provides knowledge and transferable skills relevant to a wide variety of fields, including advocacy, law, social services, and international relations.

  • Policy Advocate
  • Corporate Responsibility Analyst
  • Paralegal
  • Editorial Assistant
  • Victim Advocate
  • Legislative Aide

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