LAW2082 Theory of RightsBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementBologna CommissionNational Qualifications
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
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 Spring 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) Engages in design, planning, and implementation activities in the field of interior architecture that can respond to different spatial configurations, user groups, and needs in national and international contexts,
2) Analyzes data collected by focusing on user needs alongside real physical, social, and economic constraints, synthesizes various information and thoughts using individual and professional skills of the 21st century, and uses these processes to develop creative spatial solutions.
3) Produces creative, innovative, aesthetic, and original spatial solutions using abstract and concrete concepts,
4) Uses contemporary knowledge production, expression, representation, and technologies required by the field of interior architecture,
5) Gains knowledge about contemporary spatial fittings and construction techniques in design and implementation works in the field of interior architecture; follows the industry and current developments,
6) Embraces and prioritizes the relationship between human-environment, user health and safety, universal design principles, and sustainable design approaches in the field of interior architecture,
7) Acquires a design understanding that respects the social and cultural rights of society, cultural heritage, and nature, and can make conscious decisions on these matters.
8) Follows national and international values and developments in the fields of interior architecture, architecture, design, and art, participates in teamworks, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary work, and is knowledgeable in ethical issues,
9) Gains an understanding of legal regulations and standards in interior architecture; and becomes aware of professional ethics and responsibilities.