Wesleyan's Human Rights Advocacy minor provides high-level preparation for joining the next generation of human rights advocates. Students immerse themselves in focused coursework and supervised, reflective involvement in practical projects that engage with abuses by state, corporate, and private actors. As robust as a law school human rights clinic, the minor is offered in partnership with the University Network for Human Rights (UNHR) and its team of supervisors, who possess an abundance of experience in human rights and social justice in the United States and around the world.

What You'll Study

  • By studying human rights advocacy, you will gain new perspectives on human rights norms, social conflict, and abuses in the field.

  • Following a rigorous program, you’ll learn the basics of human rights advocacy grounded in critical theory and self-reflection, as well as how to address abuses within affected communities.

  • During the program’s practicum, you’ll learn various fact-finding techniques and put them to use alongside experienced supervisors.

Minor Requirements

  • Completing the minor in human rights advocacy requires 7 courses: CSPL128: Introduction to Human Rights Standards, CSPL316: Human Rights Advocacy: Critical Assessment and Practical Engagement in Global Social Justice, CSPL328: Advanced Human Rights Advocacy, CSPL338: Writing for Advocacy, and 3 additional courses related to human rights. Approval from an advisor or minor coordinator is required.