Model United Nations Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers

Model United Nations Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers Model United Nations PS 199D Fall 2006 Dr. Mary Pettenger Mondays, Wednesdays and Office: HSS 205 Fridays 11-11:50 Phone: (503)838-8301 Location: HSS 111 Email: [emailprotected] CRN #: 11032 Office Hours: M, W, F 10-10:50 M & F 2-2:50, and by appointment Web Page: www.wou.edu/~pettengm Course Description The Model United Nations (MUN) course is a unique class because it is a blend of student-managed club and academic course. Students are the primary decision-makers and leaders for the organization. By choosing to participate in this challenging but rewarding club, you will gain valuable knowledge and skills, and join a committed and highly motivated group of students. The purpose of Western Oregon University-MUN (WOUMUN) is to increase your knowledge about international issues, policy making and the activities of the United Nations. You will also gain valuable skills in public speaking, research and writing, negotiation and powers of persuasion, leadership, organization, and interpersonal communication. Students will gain these skills through course assignments, club activities and, most importantly, by playing the role of United Nations delegates at MUN conferences. You will have the opportunity to represent WOU as a MUN delegate at Model UN conferences locally, nationally and internationally. Students are responsible for attending classes, completing several assignments in preparation for MUN conferences, and to attend and participate in the local MUN-Cascadia (MUNC) conference. The instructor of the course fulfills the roles of faculty club advisor and course instructor, holding you responsible to complete the course requirements and to facilitate your learning by providing you with information to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. Ultimately, the benefits you receive from the course will come from your willingness to learn and contribute. Be aware that the time commitment of being a club member is great, but the rewards, if you are willing, are greater. Required Materials (1) Moore, Jr., John A. and Jerry Pubantz, 2006, The New United Nations: International Organization in the Twenty-first Century New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. (Available in the bookstore) (2) United Nations, 2004, Basic Facts about the United Nations New York: United Nations Publications. (Available free to all class members) (3) MUN Delegate Handbook, several copies on reserve in the library. (4) UN Wire. You must subscribe to this free on-line publication at unwire.org/subscribe (5) Materials on Reserve in the Library and on the Internet (see the Projected Class Schedule for specific article titles and web sites) (6) UN Internet Resources, un.org and UN Document Source, http://unbisnet.un.org (7) A source of current event information (newspaper, television, internet, radio) pay particular attention to news related to the United Nations and country assignments. The following is a brief list of the many internet news sources that provide daily news and email updates: The New York Times nytimes.com The Washington Post washingtonpost.com The Christian Science Monitor http:/www.csmonitor.com/ The Economist economist.com/ CNN http://cnn.com Google News http://news.google.com Fall Quarter Activities (1) Conferences The main activity for the PS199 class will be preparation for and participation in the Model United Nations of Cascadia (MUNC) Conference November 10-12 in downtown Portland, hosted by Clark College. Further information will be provided in class. You must participate in this conference as part of the course requirements. (2) Fundraising Volunteers will participate in fundraising activities to collect money for conference expenses and support United Nations organizations (UNICEF, UN Day, etc.). (3) Club Meetings The MUN Club meets every Friday from 12:00-12:50 in HSS112. Attendance is strongly encouraged for class members and extra credit points can be earned. The Directorate of Western-MUN The WOUMUN is headed by a Student Directorate, which acts as the primary decision-making body with regard to the club matters. Directorate members and all other returning club members serve as valuable resources to new club members. Members-at-large will be selected the second week of classes. The 2006-2007 Directorate leaders are: President: Jesse O'Neil Vice-president: Genna Melton Treasurer: Patrick Eiser Secretary: Abby Stephens Laura Maddox is the Assistant Advisor to Dr. Pettenger. Mentors and Tutoring Sessions You will be assigned a mentor during the second week of class. Veteran Club Members will serve as resources to provide you training and information regarding conference preparation and performance. Starting the second week of class, tutoring sessions will be held one night a week. It is strongly suggested that you attend these sessions for tips on research, assistance in writing policy statements and resolutions. Each session is worth 5 points of extra credit. Testing Methods and Point Scale Successful completion of PS 199 will be based upon the following assignments. Students will be able to monitor their own progress through the course by