About the Course

Model United Nations and Advanced Geography

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
 

Course Overview

This course is

ungraded.

Summer Dates & Locations

Registration deadline:

After May 9, 2025, registration is available upon request pending eligibility and seat availability. To request placement, email [email protected] after submitting a program application.

Session One

Image of Roger Williams University
Bristol, Rhode Island
-
Residential cost: $7,259
Commuter cost: $6,459
image of the Loyola Marymount University campus
Los Angeles, California
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Residential cost: $7,501
Commuter cost: $6,701
Image of Speyer School in New York City
New York, New York
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Day cost: $3,959

Session Two

Image of Roger Williams University
Bristol, Rhode Island
-
Residential cost: $7,259
Commuter cost: $6,459
image of the Loyola Marymount University campus
Los Angeles, California
-
Residential cost: $7,501
Commuter cost: $6,701
Image of Speyer School in New York City
New York, New York
-
Day cost: $3,959

Testing and Prerequisites

  Math Verbal
Required Level Not required CTY-Level
Check your eligibility using existing test scores If you do not have existing test scores:

Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.

Sign up for Testing Learn More

Cost and Financial Aid

  • Tuition
    • Varies
  • Application fee
    • Nonrefundable Application Fee - $55 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
    • Nonrefundable International Fee - $250 (outside US only)

Financial Aid is available
We are committed to serving all talented youth regardless of financial circumstances. Financial assistance is available based on need.

Learn More

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 all texts; no purchase is required.

  • The Winning Delegate, Kerem Turunç
  • An Insider’s Guide to the U.N., Linda M. Fasulo
  • The State of the World Atlas, Dan Smith
  • A major newspaper

About History and Social Science at CTY

Enhance your critical thinking skills

Expand your ability to reason through difficult problems by taking one of our philosophy or logic classes. Learn how to craft strong and clear arguments in Big Questions, or explore the techniques of logic that lawyers, doctors, and mathematicians utilize to be successful in their fields in Logic: Principles of Reasoning.

Explore social justice in action

Develop knowledge and skills that will help you address issues of systemic inequality throughout the world. Engage the historical and legal challenges different populations face in Great Cases and Laws and Orders.

Meet our instructors and staff