On-Campus Summer Programs

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