POLS 211 Human Rights The term 'human rights' tends to be employed as if we all agree on its meaning; it is a concept often wielded but rarely defined. Because of its uses and abuses (historic and current), it is a term that is ripe for manipulation. Using examples from contemporary global events, the course provides students with a thorough background for understanding how the term 'human rights' can both support particular political agendas and also frame objective legal investigations.