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Program Details
The Human rights and social justice program contribute knowledge, through theory and practice, to overcoming institutional and everyday inequities faced by people globally.
The knowledge/education provides legal, social, and political tools and strategies for challenging forms of discrimination, subjugation and persecution, such as those based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, or political opinion, as well as historical practices of colonialism and exploitation.
Drawing from a wide range of interdisciplinary topics and approaches from the humanities and social sciences, the Human Rights and Social Justice program provides an overview of historical and contemporary human rights issues and their impact on human lives in different cultural contexts.
The program offers students an opportunity to examine and critically assess the various strategies and mechanisms that have been used nationally and internationally to address these issues, including social movements, domestic legislation, international statutes, and human rights declarations and conventions.
In addition to reviewing reporting requirements, the program also explores treaty-monitoring bodies and global human rights committees. You will have opportunities to discuss and evaluate the challenges and prospects for strengthening human rights and for meeting future challenges to advance equality and social justice.
Award-Winning Faculty
Courses are taught by a team of dedicated faculty renowned for academic expertise, social justice activism and a commitment to supporting students.
Capital Advantage
Studying in Ottawa gives you access to local, national and international organizations working towards eliminating human rights abuses and striving for social justice.
Work Experience
Through the Practicum Placement course, students can gain first-hand experience at various non-governmental, not-for-profit or grassroots activist organizations while they study.
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Career Outcomes
Explore your passions, refine new skills and discover the career that’s right for you.
The knowledge and skills gained in the Human Rights and Social Justice program will prepare you for a wide range of careers.
Sample Courses
HRSJ 1101 - Introduction to Human Rights & Social Justice
Human rights and social justice from an interdisciplinary perspective. Topics include the foundations of rights, roots of inequality and oppression, Indigenous rights, structural violence based on race, gender, sexuality and ableism, State and corporate power, economic exploitation, the environment and rights, warfare, torture,and social movements.
SOCI 3430 - Studies in Collective Action and Social Movements
What is a social movement? How do sociologists distinguish between social movements and revolutions? What factors influence social movement development? What do they look like? Theoretical and empirical study of the relationship between social movements and social change.
Visit the Undergraduate Calendar to view a comprehensive list of course offerings for this program and discover the exciting things Carleton students are learning in the classroom!
Featured Stories
Read exciting stories from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
As I went through the Carleton Viewbook and landed on Human Rights and Social Justice, I knew immediately that my purpose would be fulfilled. Four years later, taking this program was the best decision I had ever made. Besides learning about philosophies, theories and practices to embed within life in my pursuit of justice, I was taught how to channel my privileges and fight for what is right. This program provided me with purpose and existence; if that is something your heart desires, then this is the place for you.
