World Conflict looks at how nations of the world seek to resolve issues through dialogue and action at the United Nations. Students will be assuming the roles of representatives of different member counties of the United Nations Security Council. Students will seek to resolve issues in different committees by writing and debating resolutions created in the UN format. Issues under consideration are in the areas of human rights, disarmament, economic and social marginalization, and environmental degradation. Resolutions will be voted on in a General Assembly style meeting. During this time the membership will also seek to pass a Security Council resolution to solve a world crisis that happens to arise during the course.
The goal of the course is to develop problem solving skills and consensus building in order to get others countries to support your initiatives. In addition, students will acquire knowledge about global issues, as well as, different ways that different organizations are actually trying to resolve issues of concern to us all. Other goals that will be accomplished are the improving of research, writing and on-line debating skills. One of the most pertinent goals of the course is to help student recognize that there are many perspectives on an issue and that a lot of work is required to get people to agree to an idea
As globalization continues, the problems that need solving, whether issues of energy, employment, environment, disease or destructive weapons, continue to bring us closer together. All actors, whether governments, businesses, or individuals, are becoming more dependent on each other to solve these problems together and in a peaceful manner. This can be harder than it seems because each nation can have different needs.
This course will use various web sites to assist in becoming familiar with both the countries being represented as well as with the workings of the United Nations Security Council.