PO2MUN-Model United Nations

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Sarah Von Billerbeck
Email: s.b.k.vonbillerbeck@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The Model United Nations module explores the structure and function of the United Nations in a changing global context. The module includes a series of lectures about the UN, its primary organs, and its main activities, along with an in-depth simulation of various countries and their positions, aims, and roles within the UN, focusing on a contemporary scenario. Students learn about foreign policy analysis, multilateral and bilateral diplomacy, international organisations, and contemporary global issues. This module will provide students with an opportunity to participate in a Model UN conference in the UK. The location will be confirmed at a later date once specific conferences confirm when and where they will take place. The University will endeavour to inform students of which conference has been selected as soon as practicable.  Attendance at the conference is a compulsory element of the module, and students will be asked to contribute £250 towards the cost of the trip.  

Aims:

After a rigorous introduction to the UN, its structures, and its functions, diplomacy will be experienced first-hand during this module as students engage with the processes and institutions of the UN and the role of member states within it. Students will put their knowledge, understanding, and diplomatic skills to the test when they seek to analyse, debate and strive to reach collective agreement on key global issues, both in an in-class simulation and representing the University at a Model UN conference. Students will work independently, in groups and as a cohort, helping them to understand the importance of both their own contributions and teamwork. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students are expected to be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the structure and purposes of the UN and its relationship with individual states;


• demonstrate understanding of the different diplomatic international negotiation mechanisms that operate within the UN system and its overall decision-making process;


• apply their understanding of the relationship between states and the UN order through debate and policy writing;


• explain and discuss political, social, and economic policy issues for a particular (allocated) country;


• confidently participate in live simulations with other students from around the world, networking and caucusing to enhance communication skills; and, 

• proficiently research the foreign policy of different states, analyse, compare and contrast these and demonstrate findings in seminar discussions, presentations, and essays.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to develop:

• analytical and critical thinking;


• interpersonal skills, particularly those of debating, public speaking, and teamwork;


• an in-depth knowledge of the various bodies that constitute the UN and its specialised agencies;


• international diplomatic techniques and an understanding of the UN Rules and Procedures and Model UN Rules and Procedures;


• independently identify, formulate, investigate, and analyse problems and perform tasks within given time frames, demonstrating self-organisation, initiative, and time management; and,


• appreciation of other countries and diverse societies, cultures, and practices.

Outline content:

Content is indicative and may be subject to changes:



In the Model UN module students become diplomats of all of the world’s states. They represent different countries, advancing their foreign policies and debating the issues and crises that face the world today. Model UN covers a variety of subject matters such as the structure and function of the UN and its various bodies, foreign policy formulation, and public speaking and networking. Students will participate in a Model UN conference with international students which is a compulsory part of the module. Details of costs below. 

The Model UN conference that students will attend during this module offers a realistic condensed simulation of international diplomacy as it takes place within the UN system. Student teams from many different universities and countries, each representing a different state, come together to represent the positions and interests of their states on a variety of important global issues. In their role as diplomats, students work together to resolve conflicts and to formulate resolutions that effectively address critical world problems.

In preparing for the conference, students research the foreign policies of many states. In so doing, they learn about the political, economic, cultural, social, and historical features of different states and how they consequently shape interactions in the international system. This experience helps develop an appreciation for different cultures and perspectives as well as building skills in negotiation and problem-solving that are essential in a diverse international society.

Training and preparation for the conference in which the students will represent a country’s positions on a prescribed agenda of contemporary global issues typically requires several hours of individual and group work per week to complement the lecture series. Preparation will include research into the allocated state’s policy regarding many of the common problems facing humanity, such as climate change or gender inequality. The conference typically involves 12-14 hour days of concentrated negotiations and drafting of resolutions over a period of three to four days. Students are to complete a written report following the experiential component (see Assessment below).

The autumn term will consist of introductory lectures to the UN system and substantive lectures concerning various key issues. Towards the end of autumn, students will begin to research and prepare for an in-class UN simulation exercise, which will take place in spring term. They will then attend the Model UN conference.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is taught in a variety of different ways. Students will receive ten initial lectures in the autumn term of both a procedural and substantive nature. Lectures will also allow time for questions and discussion. Also in the autumn term, students will have a number of seminars to prepare for the Model UN conference focusing on an introduction to the rules and procedures of the UN. These continue in the spring with an in-class simulation exercise, followed by attendance at the conferenc e.

Students will engage in significant independent and small-group research during both the autumn and spring terms to prepare for written and oral tasks and participation in the Model UN conference.

Students will be assessed with a written policy report, participation in the in-class simulation, and a substantive report following their attendance of the Model UN conference (see Assessment below).

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Seminars		10
Tutorials	4	2
External visits		70
Guided independent study:	44	60
Total hours by term	58	142	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Report	40
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:
No examination.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will complete the following three assessed assignments during the module:



Assignment 1 – Students will write a policy brief of 3,000 words on a substantive issue related to the areas of practice of the UN (40%).



Assignment 2 – Students will be assessed on participation and presentation during the in-class simulation (20%).



Assignment 3 – After attending the Model United Nations Conference students will individually complete a reflective report of 3,000 words (40%). 

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive regular feedback during class discussions.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

If a student fails to pass the year at the first attempt there is an opportunity to be re-assessed on one further occasion at the next opportunity in those modules achieving a mark of less than 40%. Students who are eligible for re-assessment have the right to re-assessment in all elements even if they have previously passed one of those elements. It is expected, however, that the majority of students would probably elect not to repeat an element in which they had already passed, in which case the confirmed marks would be carried forward.



Coursework: Failed or missing coursework should be re-submitted on Blackboard within the published deadline.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: There may be optional costs associated with photocopying or printing sources listed on the reading list relating to this module. Please note that the Library charges approximately 5p per photocopy.

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: The School provides a subsidy towards the cost of the trip, but students are required to contribute towards the costs of travel, accommodation and fees for the conference, equating to £250. Full payment for the trip will be required by the end of Week 9 of the autumn term. Students wishing to pay by instalments should advise the Module Convenor by the end of Week 3 of the autumn term.

Last updated: 30 March 2023