Programs:

The Summer Intensive Program in collaboration with the René Cassin International Institute of Human Rights on the Campus of the University of Strasbourg, France (See below for further details.)

The Institute organizes an annual international conference with the publication of it's proceedings. Click here.

A Graduate Certificate in Human Rights Education is currently in the planning stage.

Human Rights-Related Courses at IPFW:

EDUA F400, F500: Teaching the Holocoust (School of Education)

INTL I200: Introduction to International Studies: Emerging Global Visions (International Studies Program)

PACS P200: Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies - Humanities Perspectives (Peace and Conflict Studies Program)

PACS P201: Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies - Social/Behavioral Sciences Perspectives (Peace and Conflict Studies Program)

PHIL 240: Social and Political Philosophy (Philosophy Department)

PHIL 260: Philosophy and Law (Philosophy Department)

PHIL 580: Human Rights Ethics (Philosophy Department)

POLS Y109: Introduction to International Relations (Political Science Department)

POLS Y350: Politics of the European Union (Political Science Department)

POLS Y367: International Law (Political Science Department)

POLS Y371: Workshop in International Topics (Political Science Department)

Strasbourg, France
International Human Rights Institute
June 30-July 26, 2008

This is a Purdue University Study Abroad program based on the Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Campus, also available through Indiana University Study Abroad. It is a Summer II program comprising six credit hours of academic coursework to take place at the International Institute of Human Rights on the campus of the University of Strasbourg, France.

The Strasbourg Institute offers a unique international experience. It was founded by René Cassin, the 1968 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for having drafted the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Lecturers represent prestigious universities and international organizations from all over the world. Over 350 students gather from over 50 countries each year to participate by attending lectures and discussion sessions at the Institute. In all, this will entail over 80 hours of lecture and a comprehensive exam. Successful students will receive a certificate from the Strasbourg Institute, a valuable professional credential. Students may register for 6 credit hours of International Human Rights Law (POLS Y371 International Human Rights Law I and II) or 3 credit hours of International Human Rights Law (POLS Y371) and 3 credit hours of philosophy (PHIL 503 Human Rights Ethics).

This program is available on the graduate or advanced undergraduate level. All undergraduate students are expected to take the prerequisite course for Strasbourg Study Abroad, PHIL 260 Philosophy and Law. The course is offered in Summer I (May 19-June 26) by Prof. Clark Butler at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. The course is available on campus, TV-Comcast Channel 5/Fios Channel 30, online, and in Warsaw via interactive video.

Professor Butler lectures on the Philosophical Fundamentals of Human Rights at the Strasbourg Institute. His book Human Rights Ethics: A Rational Approach is a 2008 publication of Purdue University Press. Dr. Butler is also editor of Guantanamo Bay: The Judicial-Moral Treatment of the Other (Purdue University Press, 2007).

Here is what Summer 2007 students have said about the program:

• “This program has exposed me to a number of different cultures and has given me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Also, I have been able to attend lectures from law professors which gives me insight into law school. It was especially exciting to see a professor from GWU Law School because I am planning to apply there. Also, the list of speakers has been phenomenal.”
• “What I liked most about this study abroad program was working with people from many different countries as well as other people from the United States on a common topic – Human Rights.”
• “I have liked the fact that Human Rights subjects have been taught in an international setting. The subject becomes dynamic and causes an engagement of all persons to apply tolerance, pluralism, and broadmindedness.”
• “I would absolutely advise other students to go on this program. It is a great learning experience, but it is a great overall experience as well. I would tell them to study hard, but to enjoy the trip as well. I have been able to travel to 4 countries over the course of this program while attending classes in International Human Rights Law.”

Dr. Clark Butler, Professor of Philosophy and Director of the IPFW Institute for Human Rights, and Jennifer Caseldine-Bracht, Associate Faculty member in the Philosophy Department, accompany students to Strasbourg to provide on-site academic and personal support.

Cost: The cost of the program, including tuition both at IPFW and at the Strasbourg Institute, IPFW faculty support, travel to and from Strasbourg, dormitory, medical insurance, is estimated at $3200.00.
Registration deadline: May 1, 2008

An application may be filled out by coming to Kettler Hall 139 or by calling 260 481 6619. For further information contact Professor Clark Butler at butler@ipfw.edu or by calling 260 481-6364.
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Above: The European Court of Human Rights, Strasbourg (France)
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