Minority and Indigenous Rights in Practice

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The course is an introduction to Minority and Indigenous rights, with a particular focus on their implementation. Participants will explore legal instruments to preserve linguistic and cultural heritage and protect communities at risk of marginalization.

The protection of Minorities, Indigenous communities, as well as cultural and linguistic diversity, is one of the most serious challenges of the present day. Many instruments of national and international law seek to respond to these needs. However, reports monitoring the implementation of those regulations demonstrate that we still have a lot to improve in this area.

During the course, students will explore the most important aspects of the legal protection of Minorities and Indigenous communities, with particular emphasis on language rights and their influence on education, political representation, recognition of traditional knowledge, and environmental protection.

As a result, participants will be able to consciously evaluate and participate in activities aimed at improving the situation of Minority and Indigenous groups.

1. Corinne Lennox and Damien Short (e.d), Handbook of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights (Routledge 2016)

2. David A. Hough and Tove Skutnabb-Kangas, BEYOND GOOD INTENTIONS: COMBATING LINGUISTIC GENOCIDE IN EDUCATION

3. Angela R. Riley, "Straight Stealing": Towards an Indigenous System of Cultural Property Protection

4. Will Kymlicka and Alan Patten, LANGUAGE RIGHTS AND POLITICAL THEORY

5. Additional materials to specific topics.

The student is familiar with fundamental regulations in the field of Minority Rights and Indigenous Rights. The graduate understands the role and impact of the legal protection of cultural and linguistic diversity in several fields (e.g., education, intellectual property, nature rights) (K_W02)

The student understands the cultural and social background as well as the importance of language rights (K_W01)

The graduate is able to critically assess minority and Indigenous rights in different countries as well as their implementation. (K_U01)

The student is able to prepare written and oral presentations of specific issues related to the protection of minority and Indigenous groups (K_U05; K_U06)

The graduate understands the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity and is open to engaging in activities to promote them (K_K05)

Students will self-assess their work and commitment during the classes. The basis for this assessment will be participation, final work, or presentation of a selected issue.

The students are entitled to 2 absences. The student will not be able to receive credits if the number of absences is above 5.