In times of increasing extremism, xenophobia, violence, and radicalisation, it becomes crucial to build the capacity of education personnel, school leaders and education employers, to promote the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, tolerance, equality, human rights and solidarity, through education. Teaching and learning about democratic citizenship, human rights and EU common values is crucial for countering the negative forces of our time and building social inclusion in diverse educational contexts and learning environments. The power of education in this sense is unique and multiple: unique because there is no other environment or tool that touches families, social groups, communities and societies as a whole; multiple because where education is denied, other rights are denied, where it is upheld, other rights prosper.

This MOOC aims to foster the promotion of inclusive education, democratic citizenship and human rights through the transfer of knowledge about the definitions, frameworks and content of Human Rights Education as well as the analysis of existing and innovative practices on teaching styles, approaches and methods.

Course Outline

The Programme is structured in three Modules.

• Module 1 focuses on international and regional definitions and frameworks concerning Human Rights Education (HRE). Attention is devoted not only to the international and regional standards that are the core content of HRE but also to its goals, principles and main actors. Theoretical aspects are complemented by examples of pedagogical methods as well as good practices and current challenges in order to generally frame and give context to the topic.
• Module 2 is dedicated to more specific contexts and issues covering a number of areas (such as disability rights and migration) as well as aspects related to inclusive education (such as for instance inclusion of minorities or the preventative role of inclusive education against violence and extremism). Conceptual analysis and examples of teaching techniques from different countries provide an overview of the many situations that can be addressed in order to promote diversity, mutual respect and intercultural dialogue.
• Module 3 deals with the principles of the whole school and a rights-based approach to education. In particular, it pulls together the learning from the previous modules to stress the importance of participatory management of the school community, which involves addressing the needs of learners, education personnel and the wider community, not only within the curriculum, but across the whole-school and learning environment. In this light, the Module also offers a vision of human rights education as a right in itself but also a multiplier of other rights (right to, in and through education).

Lecturers and Experts

The Global Campus of Human Rights is a unique network of more than a hundred universities around the world with the overall aim of educating human rights defenders committed to upholding the universal values of human rights and democracy. Reflecting this international spirit and multidimensional approach, the course is taught by lecturers and experts drawn from a variety of countries and disciplines, enabling participants to benefit from rich and varied competences, experiences and knowledge.

Léonce Bekemans

Jean Monnet Chair ad personam “Globalisation, Europeanisation, Human Development” at the University of Padua

Florence Bénoît-Rohmer

Professor of Public Law at the University of Strasbourg

Paolo De Stefani

Professor of international protection of human rights at the University of Padua

Catherine Lowry-O’Neill

Lecturer in the School of Education and Lifelong Learning in Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland

Anja Mihr

Chair of the Scientific Committee of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency

Manfred Nowak

Professor of International Human Rights at the University of Vienna

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course participants will have gained:

• Understanding of the links between EU values, human rights and controversial/sensitive issues
• Knowledge of styles and methodologies in teaching and learning about citizenship and human rights
• Awareness of the role of teachers, educational staff and students in the transmission of values of freedom, democracy, tolerance, equality, human rights and solidarity
• Knowledge of good practices, methodologies and styles in teaching and learning on citizenship and human rights
• Knowledge and ownership of skills and attitudes that can enhance social, civic and intercultural competences and interactions
• Insights for the realisation of educational programmes, activities and assignments that promote diversity, mutual respect and intercultural dialogue

F.A.Q.s

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Enrolment

How do I enrol in the course?

You are there, you can start the enrolment process by clicking the "enrol" button.

Is there a selection procedure to participate in the course?

The course is a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), which means we do not select participants on any basis. Rather, we welcome anyone who is interested in learning more about the topic to enrol and participate for free.

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Fees

I would like to know if the course is free or if some parts are to be paid

Our course is a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), which means all components are open and totally free for anyone.

Do I need to pay any fee to attend the course?

There are no registration or tuition fees. The certificate of participation is also free and offered to all those who successfully complete all the course requirements (see below for details on the certificate).

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Accessibility

Is the course accessible to persons with disabilities?

We want all participants in our courses to enjoy a great learning experience and we strive to always improve accessibility. Each week of the course includes one or two video lectures with accompanying transcripts and reading materials. The texts are in PDF format, work at low bandwidths, are printable and can be zoomed to the desired size. Some readings may include pages from accessible websites. This makes all of them accessible to those who use assistive technology software such as screen readers. Likewise, weekly discussions and module quizzes can be completed through our platform which is accessible, for example, to people who use speech input, keyboard accessible controls or text to speech tools. For more details please visit EdX Website Accessibility Policy.

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Structure and content

Is there a schedule for the course or is it self-directed?

The course is self-paced so participants can study in their own time.

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Certificate of completion

What does it mean “Audit-only”? Will I get a certificate?

Auditors can complete any or all the parts of the course at their own pace, but will not receive a certificate. Participants who want proof of completion can simply print the progress chart that they will find in their course page.

I am not interested in a certificate. Can I still audit the course?

Yes. All our courses can be audited for free. If you audit a course, you can participate in any or all activities and quizzes and complete them, but you will not receive a certificate. Do you still want some proof of participation? You can simply print the progress chart that you will find in your course page.