This module is a resource for lecturers  

 

Possible class structure

 

This section contains recommendations for a teaching sequence and timing intended to achieve learning outcomes through a three-hour class. The lecturer may wish to disregard or shorten some of the segments below in order to give more time to other elements, including introduction, icebreakers, conclusion or short breaks. The structure could also be adapted for shorter or longer classes, given that the class durations vary across countries.

Universal Values: Definitions (45 minutes)

  • Lecturer gives PowerPoint presentation (PPT) on universal values (15 minutes) [see PPT 1 in Additional Teaching Tools section]. Alternatively, lecturer can provide his/her own explanation of universal values, drawing on background provided above.
  • Discussion about values (questions on last slide of PPT) (15 minutes)
    • Ask the four questions listed and write answers on screen.
    • See if it is possible to group answers about students' values into categories.
    • Be sure to conclude discussion with a reminder of what was discussed by lecturer but also emphasize what students discussed and that their values are to be taken seriously.

Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR) (45 minutes)

  • Watch this video from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
  • Lecturer gives PPT on UDHR (15 minutes) [see PPT 2 in Additional Teaching Tools section]. Alternatively, lecturer can provide his/her own explanation of universal values, drawing on background provided above.
  • Discussion about the difference between values and rights (question on last slide of PPT):
    • What is a right? How does it compare to a value?
    • Does the UDHR represent any values? Are these values universal?
    • What are the possible negative elements of rights? Do they unite or separate people?
    • Would a Universal Declaration of Human Values function better than the UDHR?

Enacting universal values (45 minutes)

  • Student activity of performing universal values [see performance description in Exercises section].

Universal Declaration of Human Values (45 minutes)

  • Student activity to create a Universal Declaration of Human Values (UDHV) [see simulation description in Exercises section].

Summary (10 minutes)

  • Spend time discussing the exercises and what was learned from them.
  • Conclude with an emphasis on the possibility of turning ideas into realities, as the UDHR demonstrates. However, also conclude that we should start with an acceptance of values, but move toward spaces in which values must be defended and rationalized by participants in dialogue with each other.
 
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