Providence Academy for International Studies

Grade 10 - Towards a Just World: Human Rights and Responsibilities
In the first part of this course, students will explore the foundations of democracy, including principles of justice, authority, responsibility, and human rights.  Students will read a variety of essays and documents examining these core concepts, analyze diverse perspectives on these topics, and apply critical thinking skills to address challenges relating to their application.  They will build capacities to evaluate candidates for positions of authority, rules and laws, the benefits and costs of using authority.  They will examine the concept and practical applications of responsibility, challenges resulting from competing responsibilities, and ways of assessing priorities.  Students will learn about issues relating to distributive, procedural, and corrective justice, examine challenges of ensuring just outcomes in society, and build intellectual tools useful in analyzing and defending positions relating to different kinds of justice.

In the second part of this course, students will apply their learning to international human rights contexts, building their knowledge of international humanitarian challenges and the international rule of law.  Through a series of explorations, they will improve their understanding of humanitarian issues related to situations of conflict.  Students will read a variety of materials addressing the escalation of violence and the destruction and suffering that result in armed conflict, and peaceful modes of conflict resolution that avoid unnecessary suffering and uphold respect for human dignity.  Students will work with photos, stories, and videos, and participate in debate and deliberation around issues arising from humanitarian dilemmas.  They will participate in critical thinking exercises, reading and producing a variety of types of texts, including primary documents, and expository and reflective writing.  Authentic transactions with individuals from other countries and content experts will be integrated as key learning resources. 

Course Resources

Required Readings

Research