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COURSE INFORMATION
Course Title: HUMAN RIGHTS
Code Course Type Regular Semester Theory Practice Lab Credits ECTS
LAW 212 B 4 3 0 0 3 5
Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) Dr. Alba Gërdeci agerdeci@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: Dr. Alba Gërdeci agerdeci@epoka.edu.al
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: NA
Language: English
Compulsory/Elective: Compulsory
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered) Integrated second cycle study program in Law
Classroom and Meeting Time:
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours: NA
Code of Ethics: Code of Ethics of EPOKA University
Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement: Regulation in force
Course Description: The subject extensively analyzes the concepts related to the protection of human rights as well as offers a comparative overview of some special aspects of human rights. A special attention is paid to the protection of human rights in the framework of the organization of the Council of Europe and other European organizations, such as the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, etc.
Course Objectives: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to human rights law, examining its conceptual foundations, sources, and general principles, as well as the mechanisms for interpretation, supervision, and enforcement at international, regional, and national levels. It explores the substantive content of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, alongside the legal frameworks governing limitations, derogations, and treaty obligations. Special attention is given to the protection of vulnerable groups, including women, children, refugees, migrants, minorities, and persons with disabilities. The course also analyses the role of key actors such as states, international organizations, courts, and non-state entities in shaping and implementing human rights norms, while addressing contemporary challenges arising from development, armed conflict, security, and global governance.
BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE
1 Universality
2 Equality and Non-Discrimination
3 Due process
4 Civil and Political rights
5 Economic, social rights and cultural rights
6 Limitation of HR
7 Progressive realization of HR
8 Vulnerable Groups
9 HR actors
10 State Responsibility
COURSE OUTLINE
Week Topics
1 Introduction to human rights concepts, universality, and foundational principles – Part I, Chapter 1 (pp. 3–18).
2 Sources of international human rights law including treaties, custom, and general principles – Part I, Chapter 2 (pp. 19–27).
3 Rule of law, due process and equality/non-discrimination as core principles of human rights law – Part I, Chapter 3 (pp. 29–38).
4 Reservations, limitations, and derogations in human rights treaty obligations – Part I, Chapter 4 (pp. 39–46).
5 Interpretation of human rights treaties and supervisory/enforcement mechanisms – Part I, Chapters 5–6 (pp. 47–66).
6 Albanian national and international implementation of human rights norms – Part I, Chapter 7 (pp. 67–72).
7 United Nations human rights system, organs, and monitoring mechanisms – Part II, Chapter 1 (pp. 77–124).
8 African Union, OSCE, Council of Europe and Inter-American human rights systems and comparative jurisprudence – Part II, Chapters 2–3 (pp. 125–158).
9 Midterm exam
10 Due process, expression, and religion rights – Part II, Chapters 4–5 + Part III, Chapters 1–2 (pp. 159–208).
11 Rights to life, prohibition of torture, liberty, slavery, and freedom of movement – Part III, Chapters 3–4 (pp. 209–248).
12 Privacy, family life, property, labour, social security, health, and living standards – Part III, Chapters 5–9 (pp. 249–290).
13 Education, participation rights, equality, and protection of vulnerable groups – Part III, Chapters 10–12 + Part IV (pp. 291–396).
14 Human rights in development, environment, conflict, terrorism, and role of actors – Parts V–VI (pp. 397–end).
Prerequisite(s):
Textbook(s): 1. Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) (2017). Human Rights Reference Handbook. Geneva: United Nations. 2-Bantekas, I., & Oette, L. (2020). International Human Rights Law and Practice (3rd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 3-Kushtetuta e Republikës së Shqipërisë, Qendra e Botimeve Zyrtare, Tiranë 4-United NationS Declaration of Human Rights 5-European Convention of Human Rights 6-EU Charter on the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
Additional Literature:
Laboratory Work:
Computer Usage:
Others: No
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1 Explain the theoretical foundations, sources, and general principles of international and national human rights law, including universality, equality, and non-discrimination.
2 Analyse human rights protection mechanisms at international, regional, and national levels, including the UN system, regional courts, and domestic constitutional frameworks.
3 Evaluate the scope and limitations of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, including how these rights are implemented, restricted, and enforced at both international and national levels.
4 Critically assess the protection of vulnerable groups in international and domestic legal systems, including issues related to migration, gender, childhood, disability, and minority rights.
5 Interpret the role of states and non-state actors in the implementation and development of human rights norms within national, regional, and global governance frameworks.
COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
(Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)
No Program Competencies Cont.
Integrated second cycle study program in Law Program
1 Fitimi dhe përdorimi i njohurive të avancuara në fushën e drejtësisë dhe jurisprudencës, mbështetur në tekstet mësimore, materialet dhe burimet e tjera shkencore. 5
2 Fitimi i njohurive rreth çështjeve dhe problematikave të fushës së drejtësisë, së bashku me analizën e aspekteve historike, shoqërore e politike. 5
3 Fitimi i njohurive rreth organizimit të shtetit. 5
4 Fitimi i njohurive rreth kapaciteteve të analizës lidhur me konceptet dhe ndarjet kryesore të degëve të së drejtës. 5
5 Përmirësimi i aftësive për të punuar së bashku me disiplinat kryesore të shkencave sociale dhe disiplinat e tjera të cilat janë të lidhura me drejtësinë. 5
6 Fitimi i njohurive rreth drejtësisë duke përthithur terminologjinë profesionale të fushës. 5
7 Përcaktimi i ngjarjeve dhe temave komplekse, nëpërmjet zhvillimit të diskutimeve dhe bërjes së sugjerimeve të reja në përputhje me hulumtimet e fushës. 5
8 Fitimi i aftësive në përdorimin e programeve kompjuterike dhe të teknologjisë së informacionit me qëllim arritjen e qasjes në dijen aktuale. 5
9 Përmirësimi i të menduarit kritik dhe aftësive në kryerjen e hulumtimit në mënyrë të pavarur. 5
10 Fitimi i njohurive për të folur në një gjuhë të huaj në një nivel të mjaftueshëm për të komunikuar me kolegët dhe për të kuptuar zhvillimet bashkëkohore në fushën e drejtësisë dhe të jurisprudencës. 5
11 Fitimi i aftësive për të respektuar vlerat shoqërore, shkencore dhe etike gjatë mbledhjes dhe interpretimit të të dhënave që kanë të bëjnë me zhvillimet shoqërore dhe atyre në drejtësi. 5
12 Ndërgjegjësimi në lidhje me rëndësinë e të drejtave të njeriut dhe mjedisit. 5
COURSE EVALUATION METHOD
Method Quantity Percentage
Midterm Exam(s)
1
35
Final Exam
1
35
Attendance
10
Other
1
20
Total Percent: 100%
ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)
Activities Quantity Duration(Hours) Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours) 16 3 48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice) 16 2 32
Mid-terms 1 20 20
Assignments 1 5 5
Final examination 1 20 20
Other 0
Total Work Load:
125
Total Work Load/25(h):
5
ECTS Credit of the Course:
5
CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

Overall, the Human Rights course was conducted successfully, and the intended learning outcomes were generally achieved. The research assignment proved to be an effective component of the course; however, closer weekly monitoring and follow-up would help ensure consistent student engagement and encourage deeper legal research and critical analysis of human rights issues. The visit to the Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and the guest lecture on misinformation were particularly valuable and well received by students. These activities provided practical insights into the protection and promotion of human rights in Albania, enhanced students’ understanding of contemporary human rights challenges, and enriched the overall learning experience. Similar field visits and guest speaker sessions should be incorporated in future iterations of the course to further bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. For future delivery of the course, greater emphasis could also be placed on interactive classroom activities, group work, and collaborative discussions. Increasing opportunities for students to work together on case studies and problem-solving exercises would further strengthen their analytical, communication, and teamwork skills while promoting more active engagement with human rights topics.
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