These are some of the questions at the heart of Pluriversal approaches to social justice, a 10 ECTS master-level course offered by USN through EDUC.
The course invites students to examine human rights as a living, contested and transformative field. Rather than approaching rights and policies from one dominant perspective, students will explore how plural, decolonial, feminist, intersectional and indigenous perspectives can help us better understand contemporary struggles for justice.
- Application deadline: 11 August 2026
- First lecture: Thursday, 20 August 2026, 12:15-15:00
- Lectures: Thursdays, 12:15-15:00 or 16:00
- Final exam submission deadline: Friday, 13 November 2026
- Format: Hybrid
- Credits: 10 ECTS from USN
- Teaching language: English
- Hybrid: Online or USN Campus Drammen, Norway
- Course plan: Course plan for Pluriversal approaches to social injustice
Students who are interested in following the course but are unable to attend the first lecture(s) should contact educ@usn.no.
Human Rights in a Changing World
Rising vulnerability, growing inequalities, intolerance, environmental injustice and forced displacement are among the defining challenges of our time. Addressing these issues requires more than legal frameworks alone. It also requires critical reflection on whose voices are heard, whose knowledge counts, and how rights are implemented in practice.
In this course, students will discuss how international human rights principles, regulations and norms influence the development and implementation of policies. They will also examine why implementation gaps persist, and how different actors can contribute to closing them.
Particular emphasis is placed on rights and policies related to diversity, including minority rights, gender equality, racial discrimination, indigenous rights and migration rights. The course also addresses the situations of refugees, stateless persons, internally displaced persons and migrant workers.
From Policy to Practice
A central focus of the course is the implementation of human rights norms. Students will explore the conditions that make implementation possible, as well as the roles played by national governments, international organisations, civil society, NGOs, social movements, community-led initiatives and transnational corporations.
By looking at human rights from multiple perspectives, the course asks how rights can become tools for emancipation, participation and social transformation — not only instruments of regulation.
Connected to Students’ Own Interests
The course uses a problem-based methodology and actively draws on students’ own perspectives, experiences and thesis topics. This gives participants the opportunity to connect theoretical debates with their own academic work and research interests.
Through weekly synchronous lectures, discussions and presentations, students will engage with different theoretical approaches while reflecting on how these ideas relate to current struggles for social justice.
Hybrid and International Learning Environment
The course is taught in English and follows a hybrid format. Some students will attend lectures on campus in Drammen, Norway, while others will join online through Zoom. The digital classroom will be hosted in Canvas.
The course is part of USN’s Master in Human Rights and Multiculturalism and is open to eligible master’s students from EDUC partner universities.
Assessment and Workload
Active participation is an important part of the course. Students are expected to read assigned literature, take part in group discussions and contribute to the learning environment.
The compulsory activities include seminar participation and an individual oral presentation. Students must have at least 70 per cent attendance and have their compulsory coursework approved in order to sit the final exam.
The final exam consists of an essay of up to 3,000 words on a topic related to the course content. The estimated total workload is 250-300 hours, including readings, preparations, lectures, compulsory assignments and the final exam.
Upon successful completion, students will receive 10 ECTS from USN. Recognition into a local study programme or degree depends on the regulations at the student’s home university.
Who can apply?
Participants must be registered in a master’s programme at one of the EDUC institutions and meet the admission requirements of USN’s Master in Human Rights and Multiculturalism.
Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, including at least 80 ECTS credits in relevant fields such as law, social sciences, education, philosophy, history, religion, political science, anthropology, psychology, sociology or related areas relevant to the study of human rights.
English language proficiency equivalent to B2 is required.
Apply Now
For students who want to understand human rights beyond borders, policies beyond institutions and justice beyond one single worldview, this course offers a timely and challenging opportunity.
Apply through the EDUC Catalogue by 11 August 2026: Pluriversal approaches to social justice
