Spring 2006

Utfyllende informasjon

Objectives
STV-3052 is an elective course for students studying in the Master''s program in political science, but can also be of interest to students in the Masters program in Peace and Conflict Transformation, and/or international exchange students.

Contents
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. All students from all faculties are welcome to participate in the course. The course is particularly important for those studying international politics and peace studies. Students learn and experience the workings of the most influential institution regarding international peace and security, both as an effective and ineffective institution. It is expected that all students focusing on international relations and peace studies will be enrolled in the course.The Model UN course provides students with both practical as well as theoretical insights into international relations and negotiations as played out in the context of the UN Security Council. Students will learn about the structure of the League of Nations and the United Nations, followed by a more comprehensive look at the Security Council. Students will become familiar with the types of issues addressed at the Security Council, as well as with the procedures of the only international body addressing issues of peace and international security. Theories of international relations will be discussed, particularly as they relate to the design and practice of the United Nations. Each year one particular theme, or MUN scenario, is chosen, which is discussed both in the lectures and during the two-day conference. In general this course offers students a unique learning experience, and the opportunity to understand, as well as constructively criticise, a significant and controversial international institution.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.

Form of teaching
The course includes lectures and a two-day conference.
Assessment
1 position paper - ca. 800 words, with an additional strategy paper of 500 words (these two papers are handed in together).This assignment is graded as pass or fail.
1 scholarly paper - ca. 4-4500 wordsThis paper will be graded by both the instructor and an external evaluator, and will be assigned a grade on the scale A-E (pass), F (fail).

To receive a grade in this course, the student MUST receive a pass on the position paper, and MUST attend the Model United Nations conference which is an integral part of the course. Students who have the advanced undergraduate course in Model United Nations (STV-2052) cannot take this course.

Pensum: ca. 900 pages.

Ad. 1) Prior to the MUN conference the students will write a position and strategy paper pertaining to the country they will represent during the conference. The student will be able to begin work on this assignment as soon as the country delegations are chosen (usually the first or second lecture)

Ad.2) Students will write one take-home exam, comprising of an assigned question, at the end of the course. Students will receive this assignment at the first lecture and will have the duration of the course to complete the assignment. No extensions will be granted past the assignment deadline.

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/delegations.

Because of the nature of this course (students are responsible to represent different countries on the mock security council), students enrolled in the course need to follow through on their commitment to participate.

Supplementary exams are provided. For further information see University of Tromsø regulations pertaining to examinations.
Examination semester
Spring
Type of course
Theoretical subject.
Level of course/Year of study
First or second year at master's level.
Contact person/lecturer
Åshild Tempel
Language of instruction
English

Course overlap
STATSV-211 -1 9 sp
STATSV-316 -1 10 sp
STV-2052 -1 10 sp

Recommended reading/syllabus
See homepage:

More Information about STV-3052