WINNIPEG, MB – People looking for careers in international rights, humanitarian and refugee work, or international aid now have the perfect place to get the appropriate training, thanks to today’s announcement by The University of Winnipeg that it will offer a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Rights & Global Studies. The degree is the only one of its kind in Western Canada.
Through its Global College, the University will offer both Three-Year & Four-Year B.A. degrees in Human Rights & Global Studies, with classes beginning this fall. The multi-disciplinary degree programs have three thematic streams, outlined as follows:
- Reading & Writing Human Rights
- Society, Culture & Economy
- Institutions, Law & Politics
“The human rights and global studies major is another example of the relevant education our University provides individuals,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor. “Issues in the area of human rights have been at the forefront for many years and will only continue to grow in the years to come. Students taking part in this program will be able to leave UWinnipeg and make a difference in the world.”
The topic of human rights is one that can be understood in many ways. The intent of the UWinnipeg program is to give students the opportunity to explore human rights issues in the context of globalization because of its ties to social justice and global citizenship.
“A comprehensive education is key to understanding where we have been and where we are going in the evolution of human rights,” said Gail Asper, National Campaign Chair of Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. “The new University of Winnipeg BA is a perfect compliment to the mission of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and strengthens Winnipeg’s growing reputation as a centre that nurtures global citizens.”
UWinnipeg’s human rights major explicitly adopts an interdisciplinary approach not only in its core courses, but also within and across each of the three streams listed above. As such, students choosing this major will be exposed to diverse perspectives from fields such as conflict resolution, gender studies, international development studies, culture and communication, English, French, politics, history, geography, philosophy, anthropology, economics and religious studies.
For more information on the new Thematic Major in Human Rights & Global Studies, please visit http://www.uwinnipeg.ca or contact the Global College at 204-988-7105 or by email at s.funk@uwinnipeg.ca.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Diane Poulin, Communications & Marketing, University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
