Fall 2026
European Union Law and Human Rights
Dates: August 24, 2026 – December 23, 2026Day/Time: Monday; Wednesday 8:25 AM - 9:40 AM EDT
Level: 200-Level
Certificate: Democracy*, Global Studies, Human Rights
Global Studies certificate requirement: Elective.
Human Rights certificate requirement: Human rights as a transnational or global practice or phenomenon.
Instructor: Bhole Nath, American University of Central Asia Kanykei Kasybekova, American University of Central Asia
European Union Law and Human Rights will be divided into two main sections. In the first section, students will be exposed to the composition, function, and powers of the European Union’s legislative and executive branches, including the human rights issues within the European Union. The course introduces students to the legal system and institutions of the European Union, its interaction with Member States’ law and policy. During this course, we will specifically address basic principles and rules of the European Union with a focus on decision-making, supremacy, and, importantly, human rights. In the second section of the course, we will specifically cover the Council of Europe and European Human Rights Law, exploring the legal process and substantive law pursuant to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of the Council of Europe.
Credits: 3 US / 6 ECTS