POSC 355 - The United Nations and World Community

Units: 3 ; Breadth Area: GE-UD-D
Historical, institutional and theoretical background of the contemporary United Nations and related agencies; focus on participation of selected countries in the UN with regard to current international problems and issues; participation in Model UNFW conference.

Strongly Recommended Preparation: Upper division status (greater than 60 earned semester units) and completion of lower division Area D1-3 requirements.
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Areas A1, A2, A3 and B4 with grade C- (CR) or better.
Equivalent Quarter Course: POSC 3550.
Repeatability: May be repeated once for credit for a maximum of 6 units.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-UD-D - Upper Division Social Sciences
Course Typically Offered: Spring ONLY

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Develop and articulate an understanding of theories and other analytical approaches in international relations and international organizations as they pertain to the United Nations
Demonstrate expert knowledge of specific countries, their institutions, political processes and public policies in the international community through sustained research
Demonstrate expert knowledge of UN goals, missions and operations, as well as the different organs and agencies of the UN
Demonstrate through oral and written competence, an understanding of the theories, concepts, empirical content related to the United nations
Think critically and creatively, applying theoretical and analytical approaches, to recommend solutions for global problems
Develop writing skills in policy papers, joint resolutions and other conference documents
Develop oral communication skills through speeches, interventions, debates and negotiations
Develop the critical abilities to analyze several international issues - political, security, economic, development, and social and cultural - and how they impact the students’ assigned countries and the United Nations
Develop an appreciation for, and apply knowledge of, diversity and multicultural competencies to promote equity and social justice at the global level through the United Nations
Develop effective negotiating and bargaining skills
Gain practical experience in negotiations, teamwork and speech making in a mock conference of more than 200 delegates from different schools
Learn of different career opportunities in the diplomatic field and in the United Nations

UD-D. Upper-division Social Sciences Learning Outcomes

analyze how power and social identity affect social outcomes for different cultural and economic groups using methods of social science inquiry and vocabulary appropriate to those methods;
demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply accurately disciplinary concepts of the social or behavioral sciences; and
demonstrate an understanding of and ability to effectively plan or conduct research using an appropriate method of the social or behavioral sciences.