Structure of the Program

This course offers an immersive exploration into the political, social, and cultural dynamics of Latin America, with a particular focus on Colombia. Students will gain a deep understanding of the region's complex history, including the armed conflict in Colombia and the efforts toward peace and justice. The program is structured into four key modules: Introduction to Latin America, History of the Armed Conflict in Colombia, Transitional Justice, and the Inter-American System of Human Rights. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to study Spanish and learn directly from leading scholars and experts in these fields, enhancing both their linguistic and academic skills.

Introduction to Latin America 

This module provides a panorama of Latin America, offering an overview of the region's history, politics, economy, society, and international relations. Students will engage with key topics such as economic development, cultural diversity, and regional integration. By the end, students will have a holistic view of the region’s dynamics and the forces shaping its future.

History of the Colombian Armed Conflict

In this module, students examine the Colombian armed conflict, focusing on its historical origins, key actors, and significant phases. They will explore critical debates and the conflict’s global and regional impact, including its effects on Latin American geopolitics and international security. 

Transitional Justice 

Focusing on Colombia and the 2016 Peace Agreement, this module delves into transitional justice in post-conflict settings. Students will analyze key concepts, institutions, and justice approaches while examining human rights, victims' rights, and challenges within Colombia’s transitional justice framework. 

Inter-American System of Human Rights 

This module investigates the roles and functions of key institutions within the Inter-American System for the protection of human rights, focusing on the Inter-American Commission and Court of Human Rights. Students will assess contemporary human rights challenges in the Americas and evaluate the system's effectiveness in addressing critical issues.

Instructors

	Luisa Maria Lozano Director of the Political Science program at Universidad de La Sabana and professor of International Relations. Luisa previously directed the Master's Program in International Law (2021-2022) and has five years of experience as a Legislative Advisor in the Congress of the Republic. Her research and academic interests include international relations and international law.
	Carlos Arévalo Carlos Enrique Arévalo Nárvaez is the Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science at Universidad de La Sabana.  Carlos has served as an Assistant Judge of the Constitutional Court, an expert witness before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and as agent for the State of Chile. He was President of the Colombian Academy of International Law and a Fellow of the Institute for International Law and Justice of NYU before the International Law Commission of the United Nations in Geneva.
	Juana Acosta Director of Social Projection and Relations at Universidad de La Sabana. With over 15 years’ experience, she has provided counsel to public and private entities and has extensively published on matters of international law, transitional justice, international human rights law and international humanitarian law. She has represented Colombia, Chile, El Salvador, and Bolivia in over 10 cases before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. During the Colombian peace process with the FARC, she played a crucial role as part of the Office of the High Commissioner for Peace. Juana is also a professor and Director of the Public Interest and Human Rights Legal Clinic at Universidad de La Sabana. She serves as an Adjunct Judge at the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (2021-present) and is the first Colombian on the Editorial Committee of the International Review of the Red Cross (2021-2026).
	María Carmelina Londoño Lazaro Lawyer, LL.M and Doctor in Law and former Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With over 20 years’ experience, she is an esteemed scholar and expert consultant in International Law, Human Rights, and Business & Human Rights. She also serves as the Director of International Law at the University of La Sabana and professor at various institutions in Latin America and Europe including the UN Office of Legal Affairs and Hague Academy of International Law. She has also worked as legal consultant for the National Legal Defense Agency of the Colombian State and has been appointed as expert witness before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in various litigations.