EUROPEAN UNION RELATIONS
Bachelor	TR-NQF-HE: Level 6	QF-EHEA: First Cycle	EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code	Course Name	Semester	Theoretical	Practical	Credit	ECTS
LAW2082	Theory of Rights	Fall	0	2	1	4

This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction:	English
Type of course:	Non-Departmental Elective
Course Level:	Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery:	E-Learning
Course Coordinator :	Assist. Prof. MERT NOMER
Recommended Optional Program Components:	None.
Course Objectives:	This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical foundations of rights, their historical development, and their contemporary applications. It explores the different classifications of rights and key philosophical debates in rights theory. By examining classical and contemporary perspectives, students will develop critical insights into the nature, scope, and justification of rights in legal and political contexts. The course fosters analytical and argumentative skills necessary for engaging in complex discussions about rights in both theoretical and practical domains.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts and theoretical foundations of rights.
• Explain the historical development and transformation of rights within different intellectual traditions.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of major rights theories, including their applications in contemporary debates.
• Engage with philosophical and legal arguments concerning the universality, justification, and enforcement of rights.
• Interpret and assess primary legal and philosophical texts related to rights theory.
• Apply their knowledge to contemporary issues such as economic justice, environmental rights, and the extension of rights beyond human subjects.
• Participate in informed discussions on human rights, political freedoms, and ethical considerations in legal philosophy.

Course Content

Week 1: Introduction to the Course: Fundamental Concepts and Methodological Framework
Week 2: The Relationship Between Natural Law and Natural Rights: Tracing Rights from Classical to Modern Theories
Week 3: The Invention of the “Individual” – The Triumph of Humanity: Revolutions, Declarations, and the Transition from Natural Rights to Human Rights
Week 4: Human Rights and Liberties from World War II to the Present: A Historical Narrative and Classical Critiques
Week 5: The Classification of Rights: Jellinek’s Categorization, Generations of Rights, and Contemporary Debates
Week 6: The Structural Analysis of Rights: Wesley N. Hohfeld’s Analytical Framework on Legal Rights
Week 7: The Classical Will Theory of Rights: An Examination of Kant and Savigny’s Conceptions of Rights
Week 8: Due to the public holiday, no classes will be held. Information about the make-up class will be announced during the semester.
Week 9: MIDTERMS
Week 10: The Classical Interest Theory of Rights: The Approaches of Jeremy Bentham and Rudolf von Jhering
Week 11: Contemporary Debates on Will vs. Interest Theories of Rights: A Comparative Analysis of H.L.A. Hart and Joseph Raz
Week 12: Issues in Human Rights I: Are Human Rights Absolute? Are They Universal?
Week 13: Issues in Human Rights II: Global Economic Rights – Neoliberalism, Justice, and Poverty as a Human Rights Concern
Week 14: Issues in Human Rights III: The Justification and Scope of Human Rights – Who Holds Rights? What Is Dignity? Perspectives on Animal and Environmental Rights

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

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Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:

References:

● William A. Edmundson, An Introduction to Rights, Cambridge University Press, 2004.
● Jack Donelly, Universal Human Rights in Theory and Practice, Cornell University Press, 2013.
● Jack Donelly, The Concept of Human Rights, Routledge, 2020.
● Tom Campbell, Rights: A Critical Introduction, Routledge, 2006.
● Ahmet Mumcu, Elif Küzeci, İnsan Hakları ve Kamu Özgürlükleri, Turhan Kitabevi, Ankara 2019.
● Martin Loughlin, Kamu Hukukunun Temelleri, Dipnot Yayınları, Ankara 2017.
● Costas Douzinas, İnsan Haklarının Sonu, Dipnot Yayınları, Ankara 2023.
● İoanna Kuçuradi, İnsan Hakları: Kavramları ve Sorunları, Türkiye Felsefe Kurumu, Ankara 2022.

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements	Number of Activities	Level of Contribution
Quizzes	10	% 20
Midterms	1	% 30
Final	1	% 50
Total		% 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK		% 50
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK		% 50
Total		% 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities	Number of Activities	Duration (Hours)	Workload
Course Hours	13	2	26
Study Hours Out of Class	13	5	65
Quizzes	10	1	10
Midterms	1	2	2
Final	1	2	2
Total Workload			105

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect	1 Lowest	2 Low	3 Average	4 High	5 Highest

	Program Outcomes	Level of Contribution
1)	To be able to examine, interpret data and assess ideas with the scientific methods in the area of EU studies.	2
2)	To be able to inform authorities and institutions in the area of EU studies, to be able to transfer ideas and proposals supported by quantitative and qualitative data about the problems.	2
3)	To be introduced to and to get involved in other disciplines that EU studies are strongly related with (political science, international relations, law, economics, sociology, etc.) and to be able to conduct multi-disciplinary research and analysis on European politics.	3
4)	To be able to evaluate current news on European Union and Turkey-EU relations and identify, analyze current issues relating to the EU’s politics and policies.	2
5)	To be able to use English in written and oral communication in general and in the field of EU studies in particular.	1
6)	To have ethical, social and scientific values throughout the processes of collecting, interpreting, disseminating and implementing data related to EU studies.	1
7)	To be able to assess the historical development, functioning of the institutions and decision-making system and common policies of the European Union throughout its economic and political integration in a supranational framework.	2
8)	To be able to evaluate the current legal, financial and institutional changes that the EU is going through.	2
9)	To explain the dynamics of enlargement processes of the EU by identifying the main actors and institutions involved and compare previous enlargement processes and accession process of Turkey.	2
10)	To be able to analyze the influence of the EU on political, social and economic system of Turkey.	2
11)	To acquire insight in EU project culture and to build up project preparation skills in line with EU format and develop the ability to work in groups and cooperate with peers.	2
12)	To be able to recognize theories and concepts used by the discipline of international relations and relate them to the historical development of the EU as a unique post-War political project.	3