Student Resources

Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

• Minor in Human Rights
• First-year Research in Human Rights (the Source Project)
• Master of Science in Human Rights
• Summer Internships in Human Rights (domestic and international)

Minor in Human Rights

Why add a human rights minor? If you are passionate about human rights and social justice, curious about how human rights laws and politics work both domestically and internationally, or want to learn more about a specific kind of rights violation, the human rights minor may be for you.

The minor can accompany any major. The program of study gives a firm grounding in the international human rights system and then allows you great flexibility in choosing electives according to your more specific interests. You're also welcome to do an internship or to use relevant study abroad courses to fulfill your requirements. The program ends with a 1-credit portfolio of your work for the minor and research and reflection about what it means for your future.

The minor in Human Rights requires 25 credit hours. It is normally fulfilled by taking six 4-credit courses, culminating in a one-credit course in which students prepare a final portfolio with assignments from their earlier coursework and write a reflective essay and a research assignment.

Requirements
Students must complete the following requirements, which must include at least one Human Rights core course:

- Two courses (eight credits) at the 300- or 400-level
- Two courses (eight credits) at the 200-, 300-, or 400-level
- Two courses (eight credits) at any level 
- One portfolio course (one credit)
At least four of these 4-credit courses (16 credits) must be completed at Binghamton University.

Additional Restrictions 
Independent Study: Students may only count up to four credits of independent study toward the minor.
Double counting: Students may only count two of the six courses (eight credits total) toward the requirements for another major or minor.
Grades: Only courses in which a student received a grade of C- or higher can be counted toward the minor. Only one course may be taken Pass/Fail.

The following general distribution requirements will apply, and relevant classes will be posted on the Human Rights Institute website in the coming weeks:

• At least one course from the list of Core Course options
• No more than two courses at the 100-level
• At least two courses at the 300- or 400-level
• No more than one independent study
• 16 credits must be taken outside the requirements for the student's major or another minor (only two 4-credit courses can double count)
• No more than one class taken for a P/F grade option, in addition to the portfolio.
• The minimum requirement for all courses taken for a letter grade in the minor is C-.

Possible core courses include:

• HMRT or PLSC 100: Human Rights
• ENG 320 and HMRT 389G: Globalization & Literary Studies (when taught by Dr. Moore)
• ENG 450: Human Rights in Literature and Film (when taught by Dr. Moore)
• HMRT 176: Human Rights Concepts and Methods
• HDEV or HMRT 342: Introduction to Human Rights: Theories and Practices
• HDEV or HMRT 360: Global Politics and Human Rights
• HDEV or HMRT 379: Migration, Citizenship, and Human Rights
• HIST 333: Human Rights Since 1945
• HMRT 276: Research in Human Rights (prerequisite HRMT 176)
• PHIL 456H: International Law and Justice
• PLSC or HMRT 348: Human Rights and World Politics
• PLSC or HMRT 389Z: Human Rights: Issues for Debate

Recent electives include courses on Human Rights and the War on Terror, Human Rights Activism, Mass Incarceration, Global Migration, Human Rights Advocacy at the UN, Gender and Politics, Human Rights in a Police State, Global Environmental Justice, Human Rights and Education, and many more. Select classes from many different departments on campus also count toward the minor. Contact Dr. Moore for a complete listing.

We typically offer online classes during the Winter and Summer sessions. 

Contact Alexandra Moore at amoore@binghamton.edu for more information.

The Source Project :

First-year Research Program in Human Rights

What are human rights and where do they come from? How can studying rights violations help to build a better world? Start your academic career at Binghamton University by developing your research skills in human rights and exploring majors with human rights applications. This two-semester sequence will introduce first-year students to foundational histories and concepts alongside research methodologies drawn from social sciences and the humanities in human rights. We will look at the various ways scholars and human rights workers define research questions about human rights past and present and how research can be used to protect and promote human flourishing in difficult times.

Our first semester course, HMRT 176: Human Rights Concepts and Methods, will center around case studies that ask us to bring different research methods together to address specific violations. Students will conclude the semester by designing their own research projects within the Human Rights Institute. In the second semester, students in HMRT 276: Research in Human Rights will have the opportunity to work individually or in groups with faculty members in the human rights Institute who are engaged in a wide range of human rights problem solving. Not only will students participate directly in ongoing research projects, they will also learn about different ways of disseminating and applying their research to reach diverse audiences. The program's courses will also count toward the human rights minor for students who are interested.

This course sequence counts toward Global, Humanities, and Social Sciences General Education requirements and is open to all first-year students without prerequisite.

Project Leader: Alexandra Moore, professor of English and co-director of the Human Rights Institute, will lead the program. Moore publishes widely in contemporary literary and visual representations of torture, enforced disappearance, incarceration, gendered rights violations, child soldiers, humanitarian interventionism and related topics. She also works with torture survivors and those fleeing political persecution.

Spring 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023 research projects:

• Anti-Trafficking Data Project (ATDP)
• Anti-Democratic Movements and the Capitol Riots
• Technology and Human Rights
• Climate Change and Human Rights
• Asian Americans in Social Historical Contexts 
  • • Expatriated American women
• Vulnerability and Age-Friendly Communities
• Contemporary Fascisms
• Guantánamo and the War on Terror
•  The Guantánamo Art Project
• Human Sexualities Lab
  • • Consent and Sexual Assault
    • Variations in Family Acceptance of LGBTQ People
• Carceral Studies -- Local, National, and International Conditions of Confinement
• Measuring Global Human Rights 
• Contemporary Feminist Approaches to International Law
• History of Indigenous Land Claims on BU Territory
• Forced labor of Uyghurs in Xinjiang Province, PRC
• Protecting Reproductive Rights Post-Dobbs
• Death Penalty Inequalities in the US
• The Constitutional Right to Public Defense

MS in Human Rights 

The Master of Science (MS) in Human Rights, offered through the Department of Human Development at Binghamton University, is a rigorous, innovative graduate program that provides students with the tools to change the world.

The MS in human rights offers professional training for interdisciplinary, applied research and practice in human rights, with a focus on community-level engagement.

See the program page for more information — MS in Human Rights — or contact Suzy Lee, assistant professor of human development, at suzylee@binghamton.edu. 

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SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Contact Professor Alexandra Moore at amoore@binghamton.edu for additional information. 

Human Rights Quarterly 

Intern at one of the world's leading human rights journals! Academic credit is possible, but not required.

The Urban Morgan Institute for Human Rights at the University of Cincinnati College of Law has been editing the Human Rights Quarterly for over 40 years. HRQ, the world’s leading human rights academic journal, is published by The Johns Hopkins University Press. Although the journal is edited at a law school, it is multidisciplinary. We publish research, policy analyses, essays, and book reviews on a range of international human rights matters by accepting scholarship from various fields, such as gender studies, history, philosophy, sociology, economics, disability studies, and law.

HRQ student editors are responsible for conforming articles to Blue Book citation and HRQ style standards through line editing, copyediting, cite checking, and formatting articles. The editors work closely with Urban Morgan’s program manager, who acts as a resource for student editors and as a liaison between the editors, authors, and Johns Hopkins University Press. The selected student will be a rising junior or senior and have a demonstrated interest in law and human rights, excellent research and writing/editing skills, and meticulous attention to detail.

Student editors can begin working as early as mid-April and work through mid-August.  Weekly hours are flexible.

Location: A hybrid in-person/remote schedule is preferred (HRQ is based in Cinncinati, OH), but full-remote work is a possibility.

Dates:  Student editors can begin working as early as mid-April (starting after the semester is over is fine) and work through mid-August. Weekly hours are flexible., but likely 10-20 hrs/week.

Stipend: Pay ranges between $11-12/hour, based on experience.

To apply or if you have further questions, contact:
Professor Alexandra Moore, co-director, Human Rights Institute, Binghamton University, amoore@binghamton.edu

Required application materials

Cover letter
Resumé
Short writing sample (demonstrating research and writing skills)
Letter of reference from a faculty member or employer

Preferred application deadline:
March 5, 2023.

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Sheffield Hallam University, Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice, Sheffield, UK 

The law clinics at Sheffield Hallam University will welcome at least two Binghamton University students as unpaid interns this summer. Placement will be in the Refugee Family Reunification Clinic. Under guidance of the clinic's lead attorney and professional staff, interns will work directly with clients with refugee status who are seeking to reunite with their families. The clinic works closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross and has helped reunite over 100 families to date. Interns receive training in the British legal system and refugee and asylum law. Responsibilities include interviewing clients, compiling personal statements, gathering research to document family ties, and working on applications to the British Home Office.

Location: Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK 

Duration: Approximate dates -- May 29 - July 8, followed by optional participation in a Refugee Program at the UN in Geneva trip from July 9-15.

Housing: Shared housing (all Binghamton students can live together in a suite with private rooms) in Sheffield is available in the dorms for about $250/week.

Funding: Funding may be available to offset transportation, food, and lodging, however it is not guaranteed. There is an added charge for the Geneva program.

Application: There are two pathways to apply for this internship.

1) Current juniors and seniors may choose to apply through the Harpur Law Council Pre-Law Public Interest Summer Internship Program. See the program website for eligibilty requirements, applications, and information about the process. Harpur Law Council Summer Law Internship applications are due by 4:30 p.m. Feb. 8, 2023; email to prelaw@binghamton.edu. The selected student will receive funding through the Harpur Law Council.

2) Undergraduate and graduate students may also apply directly to Professor Moore. These positions do not have guaranteed funding, although applicants are encouraged to explore funding options through Harpur Edge and other campus resources. Completed applications will include:

Letter of interest

Resumé

Two faculty letters of reference

Writing sample

The deadline for receipt of applications is March 5, 2023 to amoore@binghamton.edu.

For further information, contact Professor Moore at amoore@binghamton.edu. 

To read about student experiences in 2019, see this story in the BingU News:

Students Work to Reunite Refugees with Families

 

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YEAR-ROUND BINGHAMTON INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

Legal Services of Central New York

Our Organization: Legal Services of Central New York (LSCNY) is committed to achieving justice for low-income people and those who have difficulty accessing the justice system. We are deeply committed to principles of anti-racism and race equity in all we do. For more than 56 years, we have sought to make a difference in our clients’ lives and their communities by eliminating the barriers that cause poverty and reduce our clients’ access to economic mobility.   LSCNY represents clients in cases involving housing, income security, consumer rights, education, employment, incarcerated person’s rights, community economic development, and access to health care.  LSCNY has seven offices in the 13 counties we serve. In Binghamton, we are looking for a fall student intern to assist with our work in Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Otsego and Delaware counties. The position is unpaid.   What interns will do: Student interns will assist LSCNY staff and gain meaningful experience working in a civil legal services firm. Student interns will learn about the role of civil legal services in our justice system, and how to pursue a legal career dedicated to defending the rights of the most vulnerable. Student interns will assist LSCNY in serving clients located in Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Otsego and Delaware counties.   Interns will take on a variety of client-related projects and tasks, such as: 

- Meeting with new clients and assisting them with the intake process;
- Observing our attorneys in court, and gathering information in targeted court-watch efforts;
- Drafting and submitting document requests under the Freedom of Information Act to government entities, such as law enforcement agencies and building code departments, and then reviewing and synthesizing the documents obtained for use in court proceedings and advocacy.
- Observing client meetings and interviews to assist with case development, fact-gathering and investigation.
- Creating “know your rights” brochures and engaging in community outreach to raise awareness of certain priority issues in our region;
- Assisting our staff with ongoing work on race equity and anti-racism work within our organization.

We will make every effort to tailor each student intern’s experience to support their career goals and interests. The position is in-person in our Binghamton office with travel to our various courts and community events.  

DEADLINE FOR FALL : April 1

DEADLINE FOR SPRING: November 1

To apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references, preferably by email, to:

Alexandra Moore -- amoore@binghamton.edu 

Legal Services of Central New York, Inc. is committed to diversity and inclusion in hiring, retaining, and promoting so we can be more creative, effective, and just, bringing more varied perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, talents, and interests to the practice of law and the administration of justice. We accept, respect, and value differences that include attributes such as age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disabilities, language, socioeconomic status, marital and parental status, national origin, immigration status, and cultural background. We strongly encourage individuals with historically marginalized identities to apply. 

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Journey's End Refugee Services, Binghamton, Immigration and Refugee Law Internship

 Journey’s End Refugee Services (JERS) is a non-profit refugee resettlement agency and immigration legal service provider. JERS is partnering with the Human Rights Institute in providing internship opportunities to students. Interns will work directly with immigration attorneys in JERS’ downtown Binghamton office to provide free legal assistance to income eligible immigrants in the Southern Tier region. Students will receive training on the U.S. immigration process, asylum law, protections for unaccompanied minors, removal proceeding defense, along with immigration protections under the Violence Against Women Act for victims of human trafficking, serious crime, and domestic violence. Students will assist attorneys in intakes, meeting with clients, researching country conditions, and preparing humanitarian-based immigration applications.
 
SUMMER and FALL 
·      Hours – some flexibility, but ideally approx. 10 hours/week for Fall and a minimum of 20 hours/week in summer (dates are flexible)
·      Unpaid
·      Academic credit optional
·      Location: downtown Binghamton
 
To apply, please email Professor Moore (amoore@binghamton.edu):
·      Resume
·      Cover letter
·      Names and contact information for two academic references
 

Preferred deadline for spring -- November 1; positions are open until filled.

Preferred deadline for summer and fall -- April 1; positions are open until filled.
 
If you have questions, please contact Professor Moore.

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Broome County Public Defender’s Office Internship, Binghamton, NY

Join a fast-paced public defender’s office that is committed to pursuing holistic defense of clients – that is, defense that also considers the potential for healing and the structural roots of legal harm.
 
Interns will have the opportunity to work directly on a variety of different kinds of cases and to tailor the internship to meet their particular interests.
 
The Public Defender’s Office provides legal representation to all indigent persons accused of crimes in Broome County as mandated by the Constitutions of the United States and the State of New York. This office, with support from our team of advocates, investigators, interpreters and other staff, acts as defense counsel from arraignment through trial and all stages of appeal for criminal cases ranging from simple violations to homicides. We also represent those subject to violations of probation or parole. This involves the full range of investigatory, pretrial, sentence mitigation and appellate representation required in criminal cases. 
 
The Public Defender’s Office aims to provide client-centered representation and zealous advocacy in all courts throughout Broome County with support from our team of advocates, investigators, interpreters and other staff. We endeavor to ensure that that those facing incarceration have their constitutional and statutory rights protected, that the law is administered with neither discrimination nor disproportionate punishment, and further, that no one who is innocent is wrongfully convicted. Our commitment is to treat our clients with dignity, compassion, and fairness.
 
 
Summer 
o   June 1 - August 15
o   10-40 hours per week
o   Unpaid
o   Academic credit: optional 
 
To apply, please email Professor Moore (amoore@binghamton.edu):
·      resume
·      cover letter
·      names of two academic references (recommenders should submit their letters directly to Prof. Moore)
 
If you have questions, please contact Professor Moore.
 
The deadline for receipt of applications to Professor Moore (amoore@binghamton.edu).

Deadline for Fall: April 1

Deadline for Spring: October 16

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Broome County Assigned Counsel Program

The Broome County Assigned Counsel Program represents indigent criminal clients upon a conflict of interest with the Broome County Office of the Public Defender. The program provides quality legal representation to indigent criminal defendants in an effort to preserve the Constitutional rights of every accused.

Students will participate actively in case preparation and have the opportunity to witness many different aspects of the criminal justice system in Broome County.

Internships Terms:

○ Work days negotiable 

○ Hours negotiable, but ideally 10 hrs/wk

○ Optional Academic Credits: 1-4

○No stipend

○ Priority Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: April 1

Summer: April 1

Spring Semester: November 1

To apply, please send the following to Professor Moore at amoore@binghamton.edu. 

• a focused cover letter
• résumé

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American Civic Association Internships - Legal Services, Immigrant and Refugee Social Services, Marketing and Events, IT, and Health and Community Outreach

The American Civic Association of New York (ACA) and Binghamton University’s Human Rights Institute (HRI) are pleased to announce the immigrant and refugee services internship program.  Students will intern for the ACA and work in the ACA’s offices in downtown Binghamton. They will provide support of ACA staff in case work with the local immigrant and refugee community. Students will work closely with ACA staff, receiving training and experience in a range of different immigrants rights issues, including deportation defense, asylum petitions, protection of minor children and client-centered service provision.

Interns support many areas of the ACA's work with the community, including marketing and events planning, information technology, immigration services, health and community outreach, and refugee social services.

Applicants should have excellent writing, analytical, and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated commitment to immigrant or related human rights. The ACA is a small social services organization where client needs are complex and variable. Competitive applicants should demonstrate qualities necessary for success in this context: sensitivity, patience, flexibility and creativity. Fluency in languages other than English is preferred, though not required. Open to all graduate and upper-level undergraduate students. 

Internships Terms:

○ Work days negotiable 

○ Hours negotiable, but ideally 10 hrs/wk

○ Optional Academic Credits: 1-4

○No stipend

○ Priority Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: April 1

Summer: April 1

Spring Semester: November 1

To apply, please send the following to Professor Moore at amoore@binghamton.edu. 

• a focused cover letter
• résumé
• names and contact information for two references

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Students who wish to participate in an internship and who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that they will be asked about their prior criminal history. This may impede your ability to participate in certain internships and study abroad. Students who have concerns about such matters, or are looking for additional information, are advised to contact the Harpur Dean's Office for domestic programs and the Office of International Education and Global Initiatives for international placements..