In collaboration with the University of Michigan and Leiden University, we’re excited to announce the Global Human Rights Teach-Out which will take place on Coursera from October 17-20. Over 30 academics from 19 of the world’s leading universities will discuss Global Human Rights issues. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like the UNHCR, World Bank, Human Rights Watch and Reprieve will also be joining the Teach-Out, which takes place alongside One Young World summit 2018, hosted in The Hague by Leiden University.
This week-long event will end with a live-stream discussion, where you can ask questions to some of the world’s most prominent human rights experts and academics as well as participants from all over the world. The Teach-out provides a unique opportunity to share perspectives and experiences, on a world-wide scale.
Why are Human Rights important at this important time in history?
“No-one will claim that human rights can cure all the planet’s ills. But they are crucial in our struggle for human dignity, for freedom, for a decent society. Together with the rule of law – with its wisdom and restraint – and democracy – with its vitality – human rights provide the basic ingredients of good governance.” – Rick Lawson, Professor at Leiden University
“The Declaration of Human Rights gives you everything that you would wish for yourself, your family and your friends. Why, then are they not granted to all? The answer is simple – power and privilege, custom and convention. The solution is not.” – Richard Griffiths, Professor at Leiden University
What is a Teach-Out?
Teach-Out was coined by the University of Michigan, taking inspiration from the Teach-Ins of 1965 where students and faculty would gather to discuss the Vietnam War. The Teach-Outs of today are short digital learning experiences, each focused on a specific current issue. Attendees will come together over a few days not only to learn about a subject or event but also to gain skills. Teach-Outs are open to the world and are designed to bring together individuals with wide-ranging perspectives in respectful and deep conversation. These events are an opportunity for diverse learners and a multitude of experts to come together to ask questions of one another and explore new solutions to the pressing concerns of our global community.
“We created the Teach-Out model to expand access to a compassionate public square that inspires people to learn together, from each other, and in the interest of solving some of the world’s most important and complex problems,” said James DeVaney, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation at the University of Michigan. “We are thrilled that our friends at the University of Leiden are enabling a conversation on global human rights that stretches across geographic boundaries to address justice, peace, liberty and freedom.”
This is an opportunity for Coursera learners to join citizens from all over the world and contribute to an online discussion on various Human Rights issues with scholarly input in the form of podcasts from academic instructors, including some contributions from advocacy groups addressing the urgency of issues. The discussions will be released throughout the week, and will cover topics like the rise of authoritarian populism in the West, rights of women, free speech on campus, and the death penalty.
Learn more about the Global Human Rights Teach-Out and enroll today.
