Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
The Global Campus of Human Rights offers interdisciplinary online courses on human rights an democracy which present both regional and international perspective. Through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) the Global Campus provides open learning environment to study underrepresented or topical human rights issues. The contents of Global Campus MOOCs are prepared with participation of lecturers and experts from the Global Campus Regional Programmes.
Through interactive methods – readings, videos, podcasts, discussions, webinars and quizzes – Global Campus MOOCs encourage active participation, critical thinking and peer-to-peer learning. All courses are free and taught in English.
Children’s Rights and Technology in the Digital Age
This MOOC will take a deep dive into just how often children are exposed to these futuristic, and sometimes problematic, technological developments and investigate what that means for a vulnerable group that may not fully understand the implications – be they positive or negative – or meaning of consent. Through a human rights approach, this course will play a role in promoting a more ethical, human-centric, and accessible tech-infused future. It is critical that we call attention to this issue now, while we still have the ability to moderate technological implementation as it continually seeps into our everyday lives. We want to challenge the diverse audience of our MOOC to be critical consumers and informed advocates for children’s rights in the digital age
Promoting and Protecting Human Rights: a Global Overview
Promoting and protecting human rights is yet a work in progress. Much still needs to be done, but we can build on the concrete improvements and achievements that human rights have already allowed over the years. We can defend cases, advocate for change and bring about progress on the basis of legal instruments and mechanisms: laws, institutions, courts. We can face challenges with the strength of the benefits that have been demonstrated around the world: greater freedom and democracy; better health, education, and standards of living. To continue our efforts, we need information, education, awareness and action. This course provides you with a solid basis to understand, know and stand up for human rights.
Transitology – Pathways to and from Democracy
Regime change and the transition from one regime type and mode of governance to another do not say much about whether a regime is democratic or whether the rule of law, human rights, or good governance principles are adhered to. What consolidates and successfully transforms democratic institutions into ‘stable democracies’ are the pathways of participatory, inclusive, and trustworthy adherence and compliance with democratic rules and human rights.
In this MOOC, we will ask critical questions: How do countries and political regimes successfully democratise? And what are the causes of democratic backsliding? How do democracies die, and how do they recover, if at all? Together with policymakers, academic researchers, and analysts, we will explore different forms of government and look at theories explaining political and societal transitions, transformation, and consolidation of regimes. We will also present and discuss concrete examples of political transitions and regime changes in different world regions.