Instructions

Students will prepare a human rights brief that presents an argument supporting a current human rights issue related to one of the themes discussed in the second half of the class based on a combination of historical content and current academic research.

Because this is an academic course, the requirements are somewhat different than a normal human rights brief that should be limited in length to one single spaced page, without citations and minimal historical background. For the purpose of this paper your brief should have an introduction and argument, historical background, current context and a conclusion. The topic of your brief should pertain to a human rights issue in Canada at the municipal, provincial or federal level and may also include a topic related to Canadian activities abroad such as mining or arms sales.

Identifying a Reader (/1): You should direct your brief to an appropriate government official at the municipal, provincial or federal level. You could also consider directing your brief to the leadership of a corporation or educational institution. The ¥ader3hould be identified in the first line of your brief (i.e. %ar Dr./Ms./Mr. ___________,¼/p>

Introduction (/4): One paragraph that introduces the topic of your brief to the reader, indicates why it is of concern to the reader and makes an argument for how the reader should address it.

Historical Background (/6): Drawing on academic and popular literature, describe how the issue has evolved over time in Canadian policy and law. (2 pages)

Current need for action (/6): Describe the impact of the concern that you have identified, and indicate why it urgently needs to be addressed. (1-2 pages).