Freedom of Expression in the Age of Globalization

Course Description

"Freedom of Expression in the Age of Globalization" is an intermediate-level course offered by ColumbiaX that delves into the global norms and standards protecting freedom of expression and information. This comprehensive course, led by Dr. Agnes Callamard, Director of Columbia Global Freedom of Expression and UN Special Rapporteur, explores the historical development of freedom of expression rights, from the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights to the present day. The course examines how technology has transformed information production and distribution, and analyzes the global norms that have emerged to protect these fundamental rights across national and regional boundaries.

What Students Will Learn

  • The principles and values underlying the protection of freedom of expression and information
  • International standards and legal tests governing freedom of expression
  • How courts worldwide have implemented these standards
  • The extent and limits of freedom of expression, particularly in relation to political speech, media, and government-held information
  • The impact of technology on freedom of expression in the global context

Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisites for this course. However, an interest in human rights, law, or international relations would be beneficial.

Course Coverage

  • Historical context of freedom of expression rights
  • Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its impact
  • International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 19)
  • Regional conventions on freedom of expression (European, Inter-American, African)
  • The US First Amendment
  • Legitimate restrictions on freedom of expression
  • The three-part test for restricting freedom of expression
  • Political speech and public officials' speech
  • Access to government-held information
  • Press freedom and media regulation
  • Journalists' rights and protections

Who This Course Is For

  • Journalism students and working journalists
  • Law students specializing in human rights or international law
  • Political science and international relations students
  • Policymakers and government officials
  • Human rights activists and advocates
  • Anyone interested in understanding global freedom of expression issues

Real-World Applications

  1. Journalists can better understand their rights and responsibilities in reporting
  2. Lawyers can use this knowledge in cases involving freedom of expression
  3. Policymakers can create more informed legislation on free speech and media regulation
  4. Human rights advocates can more effectively campaign for freedom of expression
  5. Students and researchers can apply these concepts in academic work and future careers in law, journalism, or international relations

Syllabus

Week 1: Making a Case for Freedom of Expression: Values

Week 2: International Norms on Freedom of Expression

Week 3: Legitimate Restrictions to Freedom of Expression

Week 4: Scope of Freedom of Expression

Week 5: Scope of Freedom of Expression (continued)

Each week includes multiple lectures, readings, and assignments designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The course utilizes a variety of resources, including classic philosophical works, key texts of international human rights law, court decisions, news stories, and video clips. Students will also have access to Columbia University's Global Case Law Database for course assignments and real-world examples.