Teaching

Professor Pils is playing a significant role in advancing the study and understanding of human rights through her contributions to the curriculum at FAU Law School and the interdisciplinary FAU MA (Human Rights) Programme. In the Winter Term of 2024, she is actively involved in teaching courses that explore critical aspects of human rights law, the philosophical and historical underpinnings of human rights, and contemporary challenges to human rights in autocratisation contexts.

One of the core courses she (co-)teaches is ‘Human Rights Law,’ which provides students with an in-depth understanding of the legal frameworks and principles governing human rights at the international, regional, and domestic levels. This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and analytical tools necessary to navigate complex human rights issues, including the interpretation and application of treaties, conventions, and customary international law. Professor Pils contributes to this course by examining the evolving nature of human rights law in response to global challenges such as conflicts, migration, and climate change, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between legal doctrine and real-world practice.

In addition to ‘Human Rights Law,’ she also (co-)teaches ‘Foundations of Human Rights,’ a course that delves into the theoretical, historical, and ethical bases of human rights. This foundational course aims to provide students with a solid grounding in the philosophical and normative frameworks that underpin the human rights discourse. By exploring key texts and critical debates, Professor Pils fosters an environment where students can critically engage with questions such as the universality of human rights, cultural relativism, and the moral imperatives driving human rights advocacy. The course encourages students to reflect on how historical struggles for justice and dignity inform contemporary human rights norms and policies.

Adding to her teaching portfolio, Professor Pils leads a specialized seminar on human rights in autocratisation contexts. This seminar addresses one of the most pressing issues in the field of human rights today: the increasing erosion of democratic institutions and the rise of authoritarian regimes worldwide. In this seminar, she guides students in analyzing the multifaceted ways in which autocratisation undermines human rights protections, from restricting freedoms of expression and assembly to dismantling judicial independence and suppressing dissent. Drawing on case studies from different regions, the seminar provides a platform for students to engage with both theoretical perspectives and practical strategies for defending human rights in repressive political environments. Professor Pils emphasizes the importance of resilience and innovation in the face of shrinking civic space and explores how human rights practitioners, civil society organizations, and international bodies can respond to these challenges.

Through her teaching, Professor Pils not only imparts substantive knowledge but also inspires students to critically examine the role of human rights in addressing global injustices. Her courses are characterized by an interdisciplinary approach, bridging law, philosophy, history, and political science to offer a comprehensive understanding of human rights issues. By fostering critical thinking and encouraging engagement with real-world problems, she prepares students to contribute meaningfully to the promotion and protection of human rights in their future careers. Her work at FAU Law School and in the MA (Human Rights) Programme underscores her commitment to advancing education and scholarship in this vital field.