Model United Nations

The Model United Nations (MUN) course includes an examination of the primary functions of the United Nations and its diplomatic role with respect to the political, economic, and cultural concerns of the global community. Through research, discussion, negotiation, and debate, students will seek to develop plausible solutions to the collective problems of the international community. These issues include, but are not limited to, the question of human rights, protection of the environment, economic development, and the complexities surrounding war and peace.

Student Objectives[i]:

1.       To provide students with an experiential learning experience in a global context.

2.       To introduce students to the practical complexities of international governance.

3.       To familiarize students with the history, development, institutions and offices of the UN.

4.       To expose students to the process of original research utilizing original source materials.

5.       To provide students with the opportunity to conduct in-depth research on a country other than their home country.

6.       To introduce students to formal diplomatic procedures and expression - both oral and written.

7.       To promote critical thought via problem solving exercises and teamwork.

8.       To provide an opportunity for students to interact with their peers from other institutions in an academic context.

 

Student Outcomes:

1.     Evince a working knowledge of the history, development, and institutions of the United Nations.

2.     Display familiarity with the underlying principles of the UN as an organization and its relationship to nation states and other organs of international governance.

3.     Demonstrate mastery of the Rules of Order governing the UN and simulations thereof.

4.     Demonstrate a mastery of the rules and vocabulary of diplomatic exchanges - both written and oral.

5.     Conduct original research in the area of United Nations Policy.

6.     Problem solve in real-world situations in small and larger group contexts

7.     Display in depth knowledge of at least three current policy areas confronting the United Nations General Assembly and / or Specialized Agencies.

8.     Demonstrate a significant degree of knowledge in a broad spectrum of areas (including but not limited to History, Economy, Geography, Culture, Geostrategic and Environmental concerns, global relations and the current political system) of two states.

9.     Show evidence of teamwork and team leadership.

10.   Present complex information and policy proposals in written and oral format.

11.   Participate in both large and small group simulations,

12.   Utilize computers and the Internet as a tool for communication, collaboration and research, as they are used at universities and in the workplace in the global community today.

Requirements:

Assignments: Students must submit all assignments through turnitin.com--this includes all debate homework which must be typewritten.  Please note that assignments may be due on days when there is no class.  Students are responsible for referring to the assignment calendar, which can be found on turnitin.com, for assignment deadlines.  All assignments are due at 10:30 am on the due date.  Any assignments turned in after the due date will receive an automatic 50% as the highest grade possible and then incorrect answers will be deducted from that.  Calculation of late grades does not include weekends or holidays; however, it does include school days when there is no class. 

There is no excuse for late work without preapproved permission from the instructor or in the case of an emergency absence, a note from parents.   Students who wish to request an extension or notify the instructor of a pre-approved absence must notify the instructor in writing, preferably through email.

Make-up Work:

If a student is absent, he/she will be given one school day per missed day to make up each missed day’s work.  Any homework not made up during the allotted time will be considered late.  Any work that is not made up will result in a zero.   Students will be given at least one weeks notice before a test. For that reason, students will be required to make-up any test missed due to absences the same day that they return to classes.

Classroom Expectations:

·       Students are expected to be on time and prepared for all classes. 

·       Students may not use MUN class time to work on other subjects. 

·       Students are expected to participate in all class debates. 

·       Students are expected to show respect to their classmates and the instructor.

·       Diplomatic language must be used in all debates and class discussions. 

Resources:

All students are required to have a binder for their MUN portfolio.  This will be used for notes and all assignments.

Evaluation:

Various forms of assessment will be used throughout the year to measure student learning.  There are no semester and final exams for this class.  Students will be assessed on group projects, oral presentations, papers, debates, and other written homework.  It is important to note that student participation in class is key to the overall success of the course and to individual student success.  Students will receive a participation grade for each class debate.  Failure to participate in debates will result in a zero. 

Plagiarism: Plagiarism will result in an automatic zero on an assignment.  If you have questions about what constitutes plagiarism, please talk to your instructor. All assignments are required to be turned into www.turnitin.com .   

Laptops:  If a student is found using their computer for any other purpose besides MUN (Facebook, Youtube, email etc.), their grade will be deducted and student will receive automatic send-out. If this behavior is repeated, appropriate measures will be taken, including dropping the student from the course.

* Please note that depending on the conference, students may be partially or totally responsible for the conference related costs.  Prior to each conference, an estimate for the cost of the conference will be sent home to parents.  Students are not required to attend any international conferences.