ABSTRACT

This essay describes one way to approach teaching human rights history in an undergraduate classroom. Although the course under discussion focuses on social movements and activist engagement with human rights ideas, ideals, and practices since 1948, the essay draws attention to questions that are key to the field of human rights research more broadly. It also identifies and analyzes readings that have successfully piqued undergraduate student interest. The essay’s conclusion reflects on the importance of teaching human rights to undergraduates and describes ways to encourage students to use what they learn in the classroom to engage in conversations on human rights in the larger community.