Utrecht University, Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance (UU)
Summer school 2015 'International Law from a Gender Perspective'
20 - 24 July 2015
Deadline for registration: 19 June 2015 

Justice is to be done regardless of money, race, etc., but also regardless of gender. However, the law, including international law, is not a perfect system, and just like the people who made it, it is biased. This interactive, one-week course will look at law from a gender perspective, encompassing cis, gay, trans and intersex perspectives. The focus is primarily on human rights but will cut across other areas of international law, such as refugee law. Through lectures, excursion(s), and group assignments, topical issues will be explored and analysed, linking theory and practice.
The image of blindfolded Lady Justice is well known. The blindfold indicates the impartiality of the law. Justice must be done regardless of money, race, etc., but also regardless of gender. However, the law is not a perfect system and, just like the people who made it, it is biased. This is also true for international law, including human rights law.

In this intensive and interactive one-week course international law will be studied from a gender perspective. Gender is understood here in a broad sense including cis, gay, trans and intersex perspectives. The emphasis will be on human rights, but the course will cut across related disciplines in international law, such as international humanitarian law, international criminal law and refugee law.

The course will start by looking into the historical development of the engagement with (international) law from a gender perspective, and an introduction to the major legal instruments (CEDAW, Yogyakarta Principles), concepts (gender, universality and equality), and theories, e.g. on conflicting rights and on stereotyping. These will be dealt with in more detail by studying a number of topical issues, such as reproductive and relational rights, freedom of religion, gender-related violence, the right to asylum, and sex work. For students interested in specific gender issues that will not be explicitly dealt with, it is possible to write their paper on that topic.

Through lectures, discussions, group assignments, a mini moot court, and an excursion participants will not only gain knowledge and an understanding of this very topical issue, but also acquire skills to analyse issues from a gender perspective, and the ability to link theory and practice and apply it to specific situations. The course is designed for students and professionals with an interest in gender issues, but is also highly recommended for anyone who intends to work in any legal field, but of course especially in the area of international law.

Course aim
The aim of the course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to the issue of gender bias in (international) law, and developing skills to make legal gender analyses.

Target group
The course is designed for students and professionals with an interest in international law and gender studies.

Study load
6 hours teaching during 4 days
2 hours reading per day
Marks on the basis of paper of about 2500 words.

Fee
• € 750 - Course + course materials + housing
• € 550 - Course + course materials

Credits
1.5 ECTS credits + Certificate of Attendance

Level
Advanced bachelor level

More detailed information on the course can be found here.

How to apply
Application is online.