My journey in human rights and social justice program has been both an academically and personally transformative experience. Coming from Nepal and studying in Canada, I have learned to examine human rights and social justice not only as legal principles but as lived realities shaped by culture, history, power, and structural inequalities. Throughout my program, each course contributed to expanding my worldview and grounding my commitment to justice in both theory and practice.
In Foundations of Human Rights and Social Justice (HRSJ 5010), I learned key theoretical frameworks such as intersectionality, feminism, and critical race theory. These ideas shed light on how different power systems impact people in various ways depending on their race, gender, class, and identity. The discussions we had during our class on topics assigned by our professors challenged me to reflect on my own privilege and positionality. The group project was an enriching experience that allowed us to learn from each other based on our own experiences and develop something meaningful collectively. Writing the theory paper based on my own experience of racialization of international students in academic settings further strengthened my critical thinking skills and helped me articulate my perspectives more clearly and effectively.
Similarly, Contemporary Capitalism (HRSJ 5260) helped me investigate how extraction, production, and consumption shape human lives and social relations under global capitalism. By engaging in classroom discussions, assignments, and a group presentation, I gained a deeper understanding of how capitalist systems generate inequality and environmental harm. This course pushed me to think critically about economic structures, my own moral responsibility, and the importance of supporting social movements that resist exploitation. It also strengthened my belief that meaningful change requires questioning systems that appear “normal” but rely on deep injustice.
Another course that profoundly shaped my worldview was Genocide in the 20th Century (HRSJ 5110). This course helped me understand genocide as one of the most severe violations of human rights, analyzing its causes, consequences, and warning signs. Dividing the course into three themes—What is Genocide?, the Holocaust, and modern genocides—allowed me to gain a nuanced view of how systemic violence emerges and how societies remember and sometimes forget historical atrocities. Classroom discussions, which emphasized empathy, critical thinking, and respectful dialogue, helped me confront difficult questions about morality and responsibility. Writing think pieces and a research paper deepened my understanding of prevention, international interventions, and the ethical duties we hold as human beings.
Through these courses, I have learned that human rights are not just abstract ideas; they are an integral part of our being. These courses have challenged my assumptions about rights and justice and encouraged me to analyze every element from a critical perspective.
