Model UN: Institutions and Global Health

About the Course

Model UN: Institutions and Global Health

Grades 5-6
CTY-Level
LIVE
History and Social Science

How we behave under stress often gives a rare, unfiltered glimpse into how we think and act, but what about our institutions? Examine the UN—specifically, the World Health Organization (WHO)—by studying past epidemics such as Ebola and AIDS in order to effectively address a future global health crisis.

Explore the political, economic, and cultural influences on foreign policy within both the UN and its constitutive countries. Central to this exploration is a streamlined simulation of a Model UN WHO subcommittee. Assigned the roles of ambassadors and health ministers, you and your classmates investigate how an epidemic could affect your countries, drafting position papers and policy resolutions. Through reading and discussing primary documents, contributing to wikis, and creating videos, learn about the complexities of your assigned country as well as the capabilities of multilateral institutions.

Fall and Spring time commitment: 4-5 hours per week (1-hour of class time, 3-4 hours of independent work).
Summer time commitment: 12-15 hours per week (3-hours of class time, 9-12 hours of independent work).

Course Overview

What we'll do

We will work through units, each containing synchronous and asynchronous activities. You will meet with your instructor and classmates for synchronous group meetings via Zoom to discuss new topics, collaborate on small tasks, share opinions, and reflect on the assigned asynchronous activities. You will complete several assigned activities during asynchronous work time between sessions. Throughout the course, your instructor will provide feedback and assistance via Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

What we’ll learn

How to define a basic overview of Model UN
How to identify major aspects of pandemics and epidemics and begin to assess patterns of international responses to them for effectiveness
How to define the concept of the state, and a basic theory of realism
How to understand the role of states in pandemic responses
How to explain major aspects of pandemics and epidemics by using historical and contemporary examples
How to analyze international responses to pandemics and epidemics for underlying patterns of effectiveness
How to discern the components of global responses to disease outbreaks and other issues
How to identify the role of states and their foreign policies in setting the success and limits of the UN
How to evaluate the UN and WHO in promoting global health, chiefly through presentations on the progress of the UN
How to evaluate the UN’s and WHO’s role in promoting global health, chiefly through presentations on the progress of UN/WHO Sustainable Development Goal 3
How to acquire knowledge of additional steps of a Model UN simulation and begin to apply them, namely through position papers
How to acquire knowledge of steps of a Model UN simulation and begin to apply, namely through opening speeches and resolutions on a WHO topic
How to debate and assess the role of politics and the nature of disease(s) in shaping WHO and international responses to outbreaks, as well as identify the implications for global health and other issues

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Identify the major aspects of pandemics, epidemics, and the responses to them as examples of global health issues
Explain major aspects and developments of international relations through the lens of the UN, WHO, and member states addressing pandemics and epidemics
Define the concepts of the state, international relations, foreign policy, the UN, the WHO, and diplomacy, and apply them as course “building blocks” to identify the basic components (or “blocks”) that make up global approaches to given pandemics and epidemics as representative health issues
Describe the structure, role, and general history of the UN and WHO as major international institutions
Evaluate the effectiveness of the UN and WHO with regard to pandemics and epidemics and determine reasons for success and limitations
Apply cumulative knowledge and research to craft and present proposals on how to prepare for future real-world, international global-health problems

How we'll measure learning

Instructors will evaluate student work using marking guides and rubrics, and will provide detailed constructive feedback on assignments, projects, and other course activities.

This course is

ungraded.

Classes

Register for an Online course by selecting an open class below. If no open classes are listed, then course enrollment is currently closed. Note: You will need to have an active CTY Account to complete registration through MyCTY.

Wednesdays

Jan 22 - Mar 19

8 weeks

7:00 p.m. (ET)

$1,365

Enroll

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

Jun 16 - Jul 3

3 weeks

12:00 p.m. (ET)

$1,365

Enroll

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.

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition
- Varies
Application fee
- Nonrefundable Application Fee - $15 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
- Nonrefundable International Fee - $20 (outside US only)

Financial Aid

We have concluded our financial aid application review process for Academic Year 2023-2024 Online Programs (Courses with start dates July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024). Our application for Academic Year 2024-2025 Online Programs is expected to open in January. We encourage those who may need assistance in the future to apply for aid as early as possible.

Learn More

Course Materials

Please acquire all course materials by the course start date, unless noted as perishable. Items marked as “perishable” should not be acquired until the student needs them in the course. If you have questions about these materials or difficulty locating them, please contact [email protected].

Students will be notified by email of any required course materials 2-3 weeks prior to the course start date.

Technical Requirements

This course requires a computer with high-speed Internet access and an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome or Firefox. You must be able to communicate with the instructor via email. Visit the Technical Requirements and Support page for more details.

This course uses a virtual classroom for instructor-student communication. The classroom works on standard computers with the Zoom desktop client, and on tablets or handhelds that support the Zoom Mobile app. Recorded meetings can only be viewed on a computer with the Zoom desktop client installed. The Zoom desktop client and Zoom Mobile App are both free to download.

Our online History and Social Science courses include the study of economics, U.S. history and government, world history, and psychology. Reading and writing are at the heart of all our offerings. Courses for older students cover material typically found in introductory college-level classes, while younger scholars enjoy studying world history and geography. All courses are guided by expert instructors who connect with you through virtual class meetings and interactive review workshops. Whichever course you choose, you’ll gain important insights into the inner workings of government, world civilizations, global culture, and the human mind.

Dig into World History and Geography

In the newly created Preparation for AP World History and Geography Eastern Hemisphere and Preparation for AP World History and Geography Western Hemisphere courses, students explore fascinating historical concepts of the past through historical analysis, engaging discussions, and dynamic live sessions. Students meet with their instructor and peers each week to investigate transformative world events and discuss their thoughts with one another. Taking these courses will help students prepare for the challenge of AP History courses.

Meet our History and Social Sciences Instructors

Teaching AP World History: Modern, I'm frequently astonished at how natural it is for students from both the United States and across the world to meet and learn about a global subject from not just their instructor but, just as importantly, so many different student perspectives!

Tyler Meinhart

History and Social Sciences Instructor

I enjoy building relationships with students, facilitating their learning, and helping them achieve a refined understanding of the complex world around us. Using a high energy, enthusiastic approach to learning allows me to deeply connect with my students while having lots of fun!

Alejandro Lozano

History and Social Sciences Instructor

Online Programs