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Model United Nations
Gunhild Hoogensen
Introduction
The Model United Nations (MUN) program is an increasingly popular development in new and innovative teaching strategies employed by universities and schools worldwide, and is supported by various international United Nations Associations, as well as by the United Nations itself. MUN provides students with the opportunity to experience international negotiation and diplomacy through an accurate simulation of the processes taking place at the United Nations, in particular the General Assembly, and/or the Security Council.
Formal competence
This is a graduate course, which gives formal competence 5 vekttall, that is 15 ECTS-credit (European Credit Transfer System).
Requirements
Students must hold a Cand.mag.grad or Bachelor degree. Otherwise this course is open to all faculties.
Students who have the advanced undergraduate course in Model United Nations (STATSV-211) cannot take this course.
Objectives
This course offers all UiTø students the opportunity to learn about international politics through the Model United Nations program. Students prepare for, and participate in, a simulation of the United Nations’ Security Council or General Assembly. Each student is responsible for the preparation and articulation of the national interests expressed by the student’s choice of state, as well as becoming familiar with the rules of procedure and diplomatic behaviour required at the United Nations and its respective bodies, concurrent with the following objectives:
- To discuss key concepts of world politics, particularly within the context of international organizations like the United Nations.
- To highlight the processes of articulating national interests.
- To discuss current international political events.
Student benefits
- Students will be separated into some or all of the country delegations represented on the Security Council, and will be required to research their country’s position on the chosen scenario.
- Students will learn about the positions taken by various countries on an international issue, will learn the standard rules and procedures for the Security Council, and will draft accurate replica resolutions for their conference.
- The MUN is highly effective for building students’ skills in:
1. Writing
2. Speaking
3. Problem-solving
4. Conflict resolution
5. Leadership
6. Team-building
7. Research and knowledge
8. Time management
- The introduction to the MUN program also enables students to participate in other conferences around the world, expanding their knowledge of important international institution, as well as facilitating their international education experiences.
Instruction
Approximately 18 hours will be devoted to lectures. Students will additionally participate in a 2 day simulation conference.
Evaluation/ Exams
The exams consist of two components:
1) one paper during the course
2) one take home exam at the end of the course
Each component comprises 50% each. The scale used for a pass mark ranges from 1.0 to 4.0 with 1.0 as the best mark. In calculating the mark, the normal mathematical rules for rounding up will be used.
Ad. 1)
Prior to the MUN conference the students will write a strategy paper pertaining to the country they will represent during the conference. The paper will not exceed 3 000 words (approximately 8-9 pages). Students receive one week to complete this component.
Ad.2)
Students will write one home exam with an assigned question at the end of the course. The home exam will not exceed 4 000 words (about 11-12 pages). Students receive one week to complete this component.
In addition to the exam components of the course, all students are obliged to prepare for, and attend, the MUN conference. Since participation is mandatory, students who do not attend the conference will not receive a final grade in the course.
All levels of coursework, conference preparation and participation, and examination are conducted in English. Students can submit papers in Norwegian or English. Students will prepare individual papers/reports, but will develop themes, strategies and preparations as a team/delegation.
Supplementary exams are provided. For further information see University of Tromsø regulations pertaining to examinations.
Syllabus
Readings will include required course texts and/or reading files, as well as internet sources. Total pages are 900 pages.
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