The aim of this course is to analyse how cinema films can be used as an effective tool in teaching basic concepts such as human rights, democracy, freedom, justice, social equality and pluralism. It is aimed to provide students with critical thinking, empathy, rights-based perspective and sensitivity to democratic values through cinema. The course aims to increase the ability of prospective teachers or educators to use visual narrative tools as a pedagogical tool.

The course begins with a brief introduction to the historical and theoretical background of the concepts of human rights and democracy. Then, how these values are represented through cinema, how they are questioned or violated, and how they can be conveyed through visual expression. Through fiction and documentary films selected from different periods and geographies, themes such as fundamental rights, minority rights, freedom of expression, migration, discrimination, women's rights, children's rights, war crimes, authoritarian regimes, and the search for justice are discussed. Critical evaluations are made on historical events, social conflicts and individual resistance through films. The course also covers cinema literacy, ethical representations, emotional learning and pedagogical techniques. Students are expected to develop rights-based teaching activities or classroom practices based on the films they watch.