Utrecht University

This course explores theories of justice. It does this by engaging in a discussion with one of the most rewarding authors on how to interpret and understand theories of justice: Michael J. Sandel. In JUSTICE. WHAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO? he introduces a selective number of theories of justice, from classical to modern and contemporary thinkers that can be used to better understand contested issues such as surrogate motherhood, equal rights, obligations regarding poverty eradication, and all kinds of everyday ethical dilemmas. The book of Sandel is supplemented with texts that highlight, criticize, or complement elements of the ethical theories as presented by Sandel. The course exists of a series of lectures as well as a series of seminars, meant to discuss and reflect upon the themes discussed in the book and the additional texts.

This course covers the basic concepts and principles of the methods and techniques used in social neuroscientific research, which include electroencephalography, structural and functional neuroimaging, non-invasive brain stimulation, hormone administration, eye scanning, and measurements from the autonomic nervous system. This course provides a basis for other courses including neuropsychology, biological psychology, clinical and health psychology, cognitive neuropsychiatry, and cognitive neuroscience. The following topics are reviewed: functional electroencephalography, structural and functional neuroimaging, psychophysiology, non-invasive brain stimulation, psychoneuroendocrinology, and integrative neuroscience.

This course examines the role of multinational corporations in history. It covers the economic and social contribution of big corporations to home and host countries; the damage the multinational corporations may have done to the world through their handling of natural resources and the environment; the contributions these companies may have made to inequality by their activities in the Global South; and how these huge and powerful organizations contribute to solve the ecological and social challenges we face today.

Upon completion of the course, students are able to …..

1.. understand and apply key concepts and ideas relating to food and nutrition from a social science/human geography approach.
2.. understand and analyze food issues from a relational perspective, in terms of both its geographical dimensions as well as systems thinking.
3.. understand food as a contested domain, and being able to identify and analyze major issues of social justice and sustainability relating to food.
4. reflect critically on social and geographical issues of food, and develop and communicate an informed argument about them (academic skills).
5. apply a set of specific analytical tools with respect to food and nutrition issues.   

 

This course provides an introduction to the basic principles and areas of application of public international law. The course consists of weekly lectures and interactive seminars designed to provide a solid understanding of the most important rules and principles of international law. Additionally, the course covers the place of international law within the international (legal) system. The course covers the most important topics in international law such as sources, subjects, jurisdiction and immunities, peaceful dispute settlement, collective security and the use of force, law of the sea, and environmental law by reviewing the basic rules and general principles and critically analyzing their application to contemporary problems in international relations.

This course offers an interdisciplinary perspective on influences on child and youth development. This course focuses on different societal issues related to child and youth development, such as the effects of being born preterm, minorities in classrooms, and vulnerability to substance abuse. This course provides a broad view on influences on child and youth development. In a series of lectures, experts from various disciplines discuss important findings of child research in their field (e.g., psychology, neuroscience, law, geography, animal models, philosophy, linguistics). Knowledge in integrated by discussing topical issues in child and youth development with other students during interdisciplinary working groups. Interdisciplinary knowledge is applied to a topic of choice by writing a literature review within a small group of students.