One part of the course will focus on the topic of human rights in general.
Are human rights really universal? To what extent is the Human
Rights Charter subject to interpretations by governments (e.g., the right to life and the practice of the death penalty, is female genital mutilation and female circumcision justified if it is “demanded” by religion or is this merely a question of the control that men have over women)? Furthermore, we will focus on the human rights situation in Graz. Does Graz deserve the title “City of Human Rights”?
We will also discuss topics such as poverty, drug abuse, refugees, racism and discrimination. We will combine our theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences we will gain when visiting the Vinzidorf, going on a trip to Vienna to participate in a Shade Tour and using a wheelchair for one afternoon.
In another part of the course, you will gain practical experience in the field of social work. The course will thus only partly take place on the school premises: you will actually give assistance to people engaged in NGOs. You will be able to gain insight into work with physically and mentally challenged people (Pflegezentrum Kainbach), socially deprived people (Caritas/Vinzibus/Tafel Österreich) or assist kids from socially deprived or foreign backgrounds with their homework
(Isop/Lernbetreuung Eggenberg). Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to sit in/push a wheelchair for one afternoon.
We will offer class time for reflection and discussion. Assessment will be based on your work and your reflections on it.
