Trinity College
Human Rights Studies Major
Declaration Form for
Individually Tailored, Interdisciplinary Major
A major in Human Rights Studies at Trinity College draws on multiple disciplines and perspectives to address
fundamental questions relating to the humane treatment of people—theoretically, historically, and globally. For
example, what are internationally recognized human rights norms, and what are their origins and controversies?
Why do human rights conditions vary so widely? How and why do human rights practices change, and how can
more effective practices and policies be devised to protect human rights? How are human rights abuses and
aspirations expressed through art and performance? And how might we approach the study of human rights
critically, questioning its assumptions and applicability across diverse contexts? Students who wish to pursue an
in-depth examination of human rights at Trinity may undertake an individually tailored, interdisciplinary major in
Human Rights Studies. This generally requires following an approved template, available from the Human Rights
Program and appearing in the Bulletin. The template requires that students complete three core courses, seven
electives, and a senior project/thesis. A list of approved courses is available from the Human Rights office.
This form must be completed by all students wishing to major in Human Rights Studies, in consultation
with the Program Director. Students should complete at least one core course, preferably the
introductory course, before declaring the major. This form serves as the formal declaration of the major
and must be submitted directly to the Human Rights Program office.
NAME AND CLASS:
DATE OF DECLARATION:
NAMES OF ADVISERS:
OTHER MAJORS OR MINOR(S):
Core Courses: 3 courses
Core Courses
o
o
o
HRST 125 Introduction to Human
Rights
PHIL 246 Human Rights: Philosophical
Foundations
POLS 369 International Human Rights
Law
Semester
Specialized Electives: 2 courses
Course Number
Course Name
Semester
Course Name
Semester
General Electives: 5 courses
Course Number
Checklist for Electives (to be filled out with the Program director):
o
o
o
No more than three electives may be from the same discipline/program.
At least four electives must be at the 300-level or above.
At least one elective should focus on the United States. Name of course:
o
At least three electives must be complementary, focusing on similar rights or regions of
the world. Please list these course numbers here and identify overarching theme:
o
For students pursuing another major or minor, no more than two courses may be
double-counted.
Senior Project/Thesis (HRST 497)
All majors must complete a one-semester senior project or two-semester senior thesis, under the
direction of a faculty member (s/he does not have to be formally affiliated with Human Rights).
Students wishing to graduate with honors must have a 3.67 in all courses for the major and
write a thesis, which earns no lower than an A-. All students will provide the Human Rights
Program with a final electronic copy of their project/thesis before Commencement.
An electronic signature below indicates approval of this proposal:
Student Signature:
Primary Adviser Signature:
Secondary Adviser Signature:
Program Director Signature:
All students must meet with the Program Director no later than the end of the first semester of their
senior year to assure all requirements have been met. Course substitutions for the major must be
approved by the Human Rights Program.
Updated: May 2011