About the Course
Countries addressing a global challenge like climate change, weapons proliferation, or the coronavirus pandemic often present their concerns to the United Nations. The ways in which the U.N. tackles them is sometimes controversial. Nevertheless, understanding its mission and functions remains essential to international relations. In this course, you will study the structure and processes of this multilateral institution through readings, discussions, research, and short lectures. You'll examine how physical, economic, cultural, and political geographies influence and inform policymaking, build your writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills, and practice them in model U.N. simulations. You and your classmates will assume the role of ambassador to a particular country and research where you would stand on issues before the U.N.; draft position papers and refine resolutions to present them to a mock meeting of the General Assembly, Security Council, or other U.N. entity. As novice diplomats learning the art of compromise, you'll negotiate resolutions, practice parliamentary procedure, and build coalitions to represent your country's best interests.
Typical Class Size: 14-16
Learning Objectives
- Compare and contrast the geographic resources and challenges of nations by interpreting various map forms
- Describe the relationship between physical, economic, cultural, and political geographies and policymaking
- Apply knowledge of the United Nations structure and processes to the development of various motions, resolutions, and position papers
- Research current foreign policy issues using primary and secondary resources
- Construct persuasive arguments in both written and oral form
About Advanced Enrichment courses
These courses offer above-grade-level material that is presented in a novel context, explored with other advanced learners, and guided by a CTY educator to help prepare students for higher-order thinking and college-style academic challenges. Students work individually and may finish the course early if they complete all requirements before the course end date.
Requirements
CTY courses have grade-level requirements and most require minimum test scores. Some courses may also have prerequisites.
Identification DetailsDates and Tuition
In Person
Speyer School
New York, NY
Day Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Basic Facts About the United Nations, by United Nations
An Insider's Guide to the UN, by Fasulo
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 8, 2026
Full Waitlist Available
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Basic Facts About the United Nations, by United Nations
An Insider's Guide to the UN, by Fasulo
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 21, 2026
Filling up fast! 3 spots left
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Basic Facts About the United Nations, by United Nations
An Insider's Guide to the UN, by Fasulo
Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI
Residential Site
You will be asked to join or sign in first.
Register by: June 8, 2026
Filling up fast! 2 spots left
Time Commitment:
Course Materials
Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
Sample Reading
These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required.
Basic Facts About the United Nations, by United Nations
An Insider's Guide to the UN, by Fasulo
Registration Fee and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees will be waived or reduced for students who qualify for financial aid.
Learn more about Financial Aid