International Relations
History Elective
2010
Ms. Simpson
“There is no alternative to the UN. It is the last best hope of humanity”
Kofi Annan, Former UN Secretary General
This class is designed to introduce the student to the role of the United Nations
(particularly the Security Council) and to international affairs. The class and simulations
offers students a hands-on opportunity to learn the dynamics of international relations,
the domestic imperatives that drive diplomacy, and the circumstances that can bring
about war and peace.
Through role-playing a UN delegate, students will learn important non-violent conflict
resolution skills. The class helps students learn tolerance and understanding of people(s)
from different geographic, political, cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds. Students
learn that conflicts can be resolved through discourse, negotiation, caucusing, consensus
building, researching and speech making, all competencies important to future success in
the adult world.
Expectations:

Be prepared to be actively involved each class

Participation in 2 UN Conferences –
Friday March 19th 8 – 4 pm - Northeastern University
Friday, May 15 - Saturday, May 16, Northeastern University

2 position papers for Conferences

Class assignments in preparation for UN conferences and classroom simulations