Presentation of the course will involve the use of formal lectures, structured group work by students and preparation for a model United Nations.
1. The United Nations in Historical Perspective
2. Legal Framework, Institutional Structures, and Financial Realities
3. The United Nations Political Process
4. Politics and the United Nations Secretariat
5. Security through Collective Action
6. The Settlement of International Disputes
7. Disarmament and Arms Control
8. The Revolution of Self Determination
9. Social and Technical Cooperation
10. Promoting Economic Development
11. Looking Back toward an Uncertain Future: The United Nations and the Twenty-First Century
At the conclusion of the course the successful student will be able to:
1. Explain the history, structure and processes of the United Nations.
2. Demonstrate the rules of procedure of the United Nations in simulation.
3. Write resolutions and prepare country and issue briefs.
4. Conduct research on the foreign policy of countries and apply that knowledge to practical political
issues.
5. Prepare for further studies in International Relations.
The course evaluation will be based on course objectives and in accordance with Douglas College policy and the policies of the Political Science Department. A minimum of 50% of the student’s grade will be assigned to the mid-term and end of term examinations. A minimum of 30% of the student’s grade will be assigned to formal research papers. A maximum of 20% of student’s grade will be based upon a series of components, for example, quizzes, short essay, attendance, participation, class presentations. The specific evaluation criteria will be provided by the instructor at the beginning of the semester.
One example of an evaluation scheme:
Participation 20%
Mid Term Exam 25%
Research Papers 30%
Final Exam 25%
100%
Textbooks and readers will be chosen based on individual instructor preferences in consultation and with approval of the Department of Political Science.
SAMPLE TEXTS:
Mingst, Karen and Margaret Kains. (2000). The United Nations in the Post Cold War Era. Boulder, Co.:
Westview Press.
Ziring, Lawrence, Robert Riggs, and Jack Plano. (2000). The United Nations, International Organization &
World Politics (3rd ed.). Harcourt College Publishers.
Cusinaine, Maryann. (2000). Beyond Sovereignty: Issues for a Global Agenda. Boston, Ma:
Bedford/St. Martin.
One 100-level Political Science Course, or Permission of the Instructor