LEN_42612_EP - MUN - C2 (2024-2025)

MUN P2 (continuation of P1)

MUN is essentially a role play of the United Nations in which student delegates represent countries, discuss geopolitical problems, and attempt to write resolutions that address those problems. In this class, we address international issues, simulate various UN committees, learn the basic functioning and founding principles of the United Nations, and master the rules of procedure in order to effectively "play the game." Additionally, the course maintains a deep focus on an array of essential skills — which are applicable far beyond the MUN setting — and provides a forum for practicing them in a challenging environment: networking, lobbying support, federating conflicting positions, strategizing within a group context, awareness of group dynamics, public speaking, debating, synthesizing ideas, negotiating, and a heightened awareness of the nuances of language. Finally, a major goal of the course is to participate, as a delegation, in an international conference abroad.

The aim is to increase greater geo-political awareness, focusing also on the practical improvement in both spoken and written English. Students recognize, often for the first time, the importance of individual words in English, while drafting/revising/defending resolutions. Equally important is the cultural experience: working with students from other nations, other disciplines, with other ways of thinking. It is foremost an opportunity for personal growth, both as an individual and as a part of a (any) collective.

1) Active engagement (participation): 60%. This includes student involvement in various activities such as speech battles, diplomatic news sessions, class deliberations, debates, committee simulations, as well as at least one in-house miniMUN conference and preparatory activities for the conference abroad.

2) Student's mastery of both the MUN rules of procedure and select geopolitical senarios: 20%.

3) Written assignment/exam: 20%.