ISHR’s Human Rights Summer Program offers students the opportunity to explore human rights both inside and outside the classroom. Courses can be taken independently or as part of a four-course certificate program.

Program participants include students enrolled in degree programs at Columbia University, visiting students, and professionals.

About the Institute: ISHR was the first academic center in the world to be founded on an interdisciplinary commitment to the study of human rights. It is committed to providing excellent human rights education, fostering innovative and interdisciplinary academic research, and building the capacity of human rights leaders, organizations, and universities around the world.

2012 Courses

Course descriptions and instructor biographies are available on the course page.

Session I: May 21 – June 29	Session II: July 2 – August 10
Introduction to Human Rights	Human Rights and the Image
Transitional Justice	Human Rights of Women
Human Rights and Business	Children’s Rights
International Human Rights Law

Application Process

All new and visiting students must apply to the School of Continuing Education Summer Session in order to register for summer courses. Admissions information can be found on the SCE website. Current Columbia Students do not need to apply.

Application Deadline for Session 1 (D): May 10, 2012

Application Deadline for Session 2 (Q): June 21, 2012

For more information on the application process, see our Tuition and Application section.

Human Rights Orientation Session

ISHR offers a half-day introductory class before the start of each summer session for all students enrolled in a human rights class. This class reviews key human rights concepts, laws, and institutions.

Lunch is provided and students will have the opportunity to meet other students participating in the summer program.

Attendance is encouraged, but is not required in order to enroll in one of the summer courses.

Extracurricular Activities and Guest Lectures

Students have the opportunity to learn from human rights practitioners through guest lectures in class and optional site visits.

In past years, students have met with individuals from organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union, the American NGO Coalition for the International Criminal Court, Business for Social Responsibility, CEDAW Committee (46th Session), Human Rights Watch, the International Center for Transitional Justice, UNHCR, and others.

Throughout the summer, students will be informed of discussions, trainings, performances, films, and other events related to human rights that are open to students in the summer program. The program also hosts a welcome and farewell reception each session.

Other resources

Students have access to Columbia housing, a state-of-the-art student center, gym, recreational facilities, and one of the largest library collections in the nation. Please refer to the Summer Term website for more information.