SYLLABUS FOR UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

MAJOR, CORE CURRICULUM and ELECTIVES

A. COURSE INFORMATION

COURSE NUMBER POLSC 132.1 NO. OF 3

UNITS

COURSE TITLE International Human Rights and Domestic Legal Processes

PREREQUISITE/S

DEPARTMENT/ POLITICAL SCIENCE SCHOOL SOSS

PROGRAM AB DIPLOMACY AND INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS, WITH SPECIALIZATION
IN EAST AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN
STUDIES

SCHOOL YEAR 2021-2022 SEMESTER FIRST

INSTRUCTOR/S Ricardo A. Sunga III

VENUE Canvas Online SECTION B SCHEDULE* S1400-1700

B. COURSE DESCRIPTION

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AND DOMESTIC LEGAL PROCESSES

3 units
(PoS 132.1)

A course that surveys the history, theory, practices and issues of international human rights and its
interaction with domestic legal processes. It aims to equip students with the skill to frame human
rights questions and identify and simulate rudimentary domestic legal processes

WHERE IS THE COURSE SITUATED

WITHIN THE FORMATION STAGES
IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE LOYOLA SCHOOLS CURRICULA

FOUNDATIONS: Exploring and Equipping the Self

 ROOTEDNESS: Investigating and Knowing the World

DEEPENING: Defining the Self in the World

LEADERSHIP: Engaging and Transforming the World

X

C. *PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

*This section does not apply to a student who is not a major of the program under which this course
is administered

Alignment of Program to the Core Curriculum Learning Outcomes

The Ideal Ateneo Graduate: A Person of

Conscience Competence Compassion Commitment

CCLO CCLO CCLO CCLO CCLO CCLO CCLO CCLO

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

X X X X

Alignment of the Course to the Program Learning Outcomes

PLO1 PLO2 PLO3 PLO4 PLO5 PLO6

√√√

X
X X

Program Learning Outcomes

▶ PLO1 Demonstrate proficiency in the various schools of thought and methodologies in Political Science
▶ PLO 2 Appraise the relevance of Political Science frameworks vis-a-vis other disciplinal frameworks and/or
approaches
▶ PLO 3 Analyze contemporary issues and problems using relevant theories and approaches in Political Science
and other relevant fields
▶ PLO 4 Recommend policy solutions to contemporary issues/challenges in national regional and international
political contexts
▶ PLO 5 Practice scientific & ethical standards and principles in the conduct of social and political inquiry
▶ PLO 6. Foster a sense of citizenship characterized by the principles of democracy, civic engagement and
sustainable development

D. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

 Alignment of the Course to the Core Curriculum Learning Outcomes

The Ideal Ateneo Graduate: A Person of

Conscience Competence Compassion Commitment

CCLO CCLO CCLO CCLO CCLO CCLO CCLO CCLO

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

X X X X

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

CLO1: explain the nature and history of human rights

CLO2: examine the role and functions of global and regional human rights bodies

CLO3: analyze domestic human rights issues from the lens of international and regional
human rights framework

CLO4: appreciate the contribution of the international, regional and domestic human rights
framework to the upliftment of the quality of people’s lives
 E. COURSE OUTLINE and LEARNING HOURS

Course Outline CLOs Estimated

Contact
or Learning
Hours

Nature and History of Human Rights CLO 1, 2 and 3 10

UN Treaty Bodies CLO 1, 2 and 3 10

UN Charter Bodies CLO 1, 2 and 3 10

ASEAN Human Rights Bodies CLO 1, 2 and 3 10

Domestic Legal Processes: Courts, Prosecution and Police CLO 1, 2 and 3 10

Philippine Commission on Human Rights CLO 1, 2 and 3 10

F. ASSESSMENTS AND RUBRICS

Assessment Assessment CLOs

Tasks Weight

Role Playing, and Discussion Board Posts (Formative) 50 CLO 1, 2 and 3

Reporting (Formative and Summative) 30 CLO 1, 2 and 3

Final Exam (Summative) 20 CLO 1, 2 and 3

RUBRICS:

Rubric for Role Playing, Discussion Board Posts, and Reporting

A Excellent. The student shows mastery of the module/s and

exceptional analysis of chosen topic. Discussion is perfectly
clear, coherent, and well-structured. Shares personal
examples and insights beyond what was discussed in class.
B+ Very Good. The student has a firm grasp of the module/s
and provides critical analysis. Discussion is substantially
clear and organized. Has insights and examples that need
further articulation.
B Good. Module/s is/are comprehensively understood.
Discussion is organized. The student indicates evidence that
thought has gone into the work and a rudimentary level of
independent analysis and original reflection was done. The
student has insight but insight is not developed.
C+ Very Satisfactory. The student demonstrates adequate
 understanding of main themes and ideas. However,
discussion needs more structure. Moreover, ideas merely
echo those discussed in class and there might be only a
minimal evidence of the student’s independent thought
and analysis.
C Satisfactory. The student meets the standards at the
minimum level expected from a college student. Module/s
is/are sufficiently understood and explained, but discussion
lacks organization. Key concepts and ideas may be
simplistically articulated.
D Pass. Major ideas in the module/s are understood but at a
very basic level. The student lacks any real articulation of
ideas and/or does not sufficiently provide analysis and
insight.
F Fail. The student clearly does not understand the module/s.
Discussion lacks substance and direction. Shows absence of
preparation.

G. TEACHING and LEARNING METHODS

TEACHING & LEARNING METHODS and ACTIVITIES CLOs

Reading of scholarly writing CLO 1, 2 and 3

Video watching CLO 1, 2 and 3

Role-playing CLO 1, 2 and 3

Discussion board posts CLO 1, 2 and 3

MODULES

Module 1 Nature and History of Human Rights

Human rights are entitlements that people enjoy by

virtue of their being human. Human rights are
universal. They apply to everyone, everywhere.
They are also inter-dependent, and indivisible. You
cannot enjoy one set of rights without also enjoying
the other set of rights. The States are the primary
duty-bearers. Human rights can be invoked against
States. State agents are the ones who can violate
human rights.

Role Playing

You are a police officer who has arrested a

suspected serial bomber. This serial bomber claims
he has a bomb about to detonate in a crowded part
of the city. He refuses to reveal the location of the
 bomb. Would you resort to torturing the suspected
serial bomber to obtain the information you need to
stop the supposedly impending mass destruction?
Write your answer as a reply post below, due 13
September at 2359.
Module 2 UN Treaty Bodies

They monitor the implementation of these

international human rights treaties:

1. International Covenant on Civil and Political

Rights
2. International Covenant on Economic, Social and
Cultural Rights
3. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women
4. Convention on the Rights of the Child
5. Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities
6. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Racial Discrimination
7. Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
8. Convention for the Protection of All Persons from
Enforced Disappearance
9. Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers
and Members of Their Families

Role Playing

You are the Chair of the UN Committee on Migrant

Workers. Draft a statement you will deliver at the UN
General Assembly to encourage more States
(especially receiving States in migration) to ratify the
Convention on the Rights of All Migrant Workers and
Members of Their Families. Write your answer as a
reply post below, due 27 September at 2359.
Module 3 UN Charter Bodies

They have procedures that apply to all Member

States of the UN whether or not these ratified the
relevant human rights treaties.

They include the UN Human Rights Council that

carries out a universal periodic review of the human
rights records of all Member States of the UN. The
Council also has a complaints procedure.

The UN Human Rights Council also appoints

Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and
Working Groups of Experts on human rights. These
have a reporting procedure and communications
 procedure. They can also carry out country visits.

Role Playing

You are the UN Special Rapporteur on Summary

Executions. You are going to release a press
statement about the killings in the Philippines on
account of the war on drugs. What will you assert in
your statement? Write your answer as a reply post
below due 11 October at 2359.
Module 4 ASEAN Human Rights Bodies

In the different regions of the world, there are

regional human rights mechanisms such as the
European Court of Human Rights and Inter-
American Court on Human Rights. The ASEAN has
the ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on
Human Rights, ASEAN Commission on Women and
Children, and ASEAN Committee on Migrant
Workers.

Role Playing

You are a high ranking official of an ASEAN State.

Would you propose and campaign for the
establishment of an ASEAN Court of Human
Rights? Why or why not? Write your answer as a
reply post below. Due date is 25 October at 2359.
Module 5 Domestic Procedures

The main procedures are those of the domestic

courts, prosecution service and police. The 1987
Constitution of the Philippines has a bill of rights.
There are other relevant laws such as the Anti-
Torture Law and Ant-Enforced Disappearance Law.

Role Playing

You are the Chief State Prosecutor of the

Philippines. There is a rise in the incidence of
enforced disappearances in the Philippines. What
steps would you take to help ensure that those
responsible for enforced disappearances will be
brought to justice? Write your answer as a reply post
below. Due date is 8 November at 2359
Module 6 Philippine Commission on Human Rights

All around the world, national human rights

institutions are being established. The Paris
Principles provide standards for assessing the
efficacy of a national human rights institution.
 The Philippine CHR has an A rating under the Paris
Principles because it is a constitutionally
independent body. Its powers include investigating
human rights violations and visiting persons
deprived of liberty.

Role Playing

You are a member of the House of Representatives.

A bill is pending proposing to strengthen the
Philippine Commission on Human Rights by giving it
prosecutorial powers. Make a speech in favor of, or
against, the passage of the bill. Write your answer
as a reply post below due 22 November at 2359.

October

H. REQUIRED READINGS

Philip Alston and Ryan Goodman, International Human Rights (OUP, Oxford, 2013)

Andrea Durbach, Catherine Renshaw and Andrew Byrnes, ‘A Tounge but No Teeth?:
The Emergence of a Regional Human Rights Mechanism in the Asia Pacific Region‘
(2009) 31(2) Sydney Law Review 211

GS Goodwin-Gill and J McAdam, The Refugee in International Law (3rd ed, Oxford
University Press, Oxford, 2007)

Ryszard Cholewinski, Migrant Workers in International Human Rights Law: Their Protection in
Countries of Employment (Oxford University Press, USA, 1997)

Celina S. De Vera, ‘Congressional Child Care A Juvenile Attempt at Law Making:

Revisiting the Justice System for Children in Conflict with the Law’ (2008), LII UST Law
Review 233,
http://ustlawreview.com/pdf/vol.LII/Congressional_Child_Care_a_Juvenile_Attempt_a
t_Law_%20Making.pdf, viewed 24 May 2014

I. SUGGESTED READING

Gudmundur Alfredsson et al (eds), International Human Rights Monitoring Mechanisms Essays

in Honour of Jakob Th. Möller, 2nd Revised Edition (Martinus Nijhoff, 2009)

J. GRADING SYSTEM
A 92-100
B+ 87-91
B 83-86
C+ 79-92
C 75-78
D 70-74
F 69

K. CLASS POLICIES

1. There will be assigned hours for actual online contact time with the professor.
2. Excuse letters for failure to submit or take major assessments must be approved by the
Department Chair.

L. CONSULTATION HOURS

NAME OF FACULTY EMAIL DAY/S TIME

Saturday or by
Ricardo A. Sunga III rsunga@ateneo.edu appointment 5pm-6pm

M. ADDITIONAL NOTES

As indicated in the University Memo on “Academic Policies Adapted to Online Learning, First Semester 2020-2021”
issued on 25 August 2020, the following are adopted as class policies:

a. “A reminder that students with unstable or no internet connection may avail of a portable learning
packet (PLP). Requests for PLPs are coursed through LS One (www.ateneo.edu/lsone).”
b. Communication between teachers will be through Canvas and/or email. Students must always use
the @obf.ateneo.edu accounts in sending emails as regards to PoS132.10 concerns.
c. Emails to the course Professor should be sent to rsunga@ateneo.edu.
d. Expect responses to email received within 24 hours during weekdays, unless advised otherwise. No
responses shall be sent out on weekends and holidays.
e. Observance of University regulations on data privacy.

Additionally, the following are also included in class policies and protocols.

a. Synchronous sessions shall be conducted via Google meet on TTh 5pm-630pm

 b. During synchronous sessions, the default is video off, unless requested for video on and provided it is
with explicit consent.
c. Most of the sessions are asynchronous and therefore, self-paced. However, do take note of modes of
submission as well as deadlines; late/non-submission gets an automatic ‘0’ for the requirement.
d. Citation of sources is the norm --- plagiarism gets an automatic ‘F’ in the course + filing of discipline
complaint.
e. Most course tasks entail active and substantive participation in group works. Make collaboration as a
given and respect towards each other as basic practice.
f. The course adheres to the Loyola Schools’ Gender Policy. It also adheres to providing a safe space for
learning and will strictly observe Republic Act (RA) 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act. Specifically, it
will not tolerate gender-based online sexual harassment, defined by the law as “acts that use
information and communications technology in terrorizing and intimidating victims through physical,
psychological, and emotional threats, unwanted sexual misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic and sexist
remarks and comments online whether publicly or through direct and private messages, invasion of
victim’s privacy through cyberstalking and incessant messaging, uploading and sharing without consent
of the victim, any form of media that contains photos, voice, or video with sexual content, any
unauthorized recording and sharing of any of the victim’s photos, videos, or any information online,
impersonating identities of victims online or posting lies about victims to harm their reputation, or filing
false abuse reports to online platforms to silence victims” (Art II, Sec 12). The full text of the law is
available online at https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2019/04apr/20190417-RA-11313-
RRD.pdf.

Reference:

Core Curriculum Learning Outcomes (CCLOs)

LEGEND:
CCLO 1 Demonstrate effective communication skills (listening and speaking, reading and writing) in
English and Filipino.
CCLO 2 Evaluate information and issues in various spheres of life using mathematical reasoning and
statistical tools to process and manage data.
CCLO 3 Propose ways to address pressing social and ecological problems using appropriate critical
approaches and scientific thinking
CCLO 4 Develop a creative and moral imagination that is responsive to contemporary global realities
and challenges, but also deeply rooted in local histories, conditions, norms, and institutions.
CCLO 5 Internalize the significance and value of her/ his unique existence and purpose in life in light
of Christian faith.
CCLO 6 Discern life choices with a keen awareness of ethical dilemmas and considerations.

CCLO 7 Exemplify a commitment to enhancing human life and dignity, especially those who are
excluded and in greatest need.
CCLO 8 Practice a vision of leadership and committed citizenship rooted in Christian humanism.

v.1 05/2020