Model UN
What's it all about?
“Meeting jaw to jaw is better than to war” - Winston Churchill.
Do you hate conflict and often find yourself playing the role of mediator, or peacemaker? Do you have an interest in, or would like to learn more about, contemporary global affairs? By studying this introduction to international relations and diplomacy, you'll consider the most pressing questions we face today, culminating in a simulation of the UN Security Council (UNSC), and a historical overview of how we got here. You’ll explore the historical origins of these diplomatic instruments and get to approach global issues that range all the way across: questions of war, peace and power dynamics on the world stage, causes and possible remedies for global poverty, food insecurity, gender inequality and injustice.
What type of things will I do?
Process information to suggest solutions, collaborate in teams to achieve a shared goal, research, analyse and evaluate historical and contemporary sources, discuss ideas, issues, and perspectives, listen and reflect on guest presentations, participate in a Model United Nations Conference.
Develop your General Capabilities to enhance learning across all subjects through:
Critical and Creative Thinking.
Ethical.
Intercultural.
Personal and Social.
Literacy.
What will I learn?
TOPIC 1
WHEN DIPLOMACY ENDS, WAR BEGINS (1899-1939)
The Hague Peace Conferences (1899, 1907)
The Paris Peace Conference (1919-1920) and Treaties
The League of Nations
Appeasement and Collective Security in the 1920s and 1930s
TOPIC 2
WW2 & THE UNITED NATIONS
WW2 Declaration and Wartime Conferences
‘Victory’ over Fascism: VE and VP Days
The London Conference and Nuremburg Trials
The Paris Peace Conference and Treaties (1946-1947)
The United Nations Charter, Human Rights, and the UDHR
TOPIC 3
GLOBAL EFFORTS FOR A BETTER WORLD
Cold War disarmament and nuclear de-proliferation efforts
UN Social and Health Efforts: UNHCR, Rights of the Child, The ILO
Development, UNER and UNSECO
TOPIC 4
MODEL UN CONFERENCE
Global Issues of the 21st Century
Global Case Study Research and Planning
MUN Protocols and Guidelines
MUN Conference Simulation
Looking forward: the future of peace
What can this lead to?
University courses in Political Science, Global Politics, International Relations, History.
Co-curricular involvement in debating, public speaking, Regional MUNs, The Evatt Competition (preliminary rounds, semi-finals, Victorian Grand Final, National Finals).
POSSIBLE PATHWAY |
YEAR COURSES OFFERED |
YEAR 10 Model UN |
YEAR 11 Modern History (VCE) History (IBDP) Global Politics (VCE/IBDP) Legal Studies (VCE) |
YEAR 12 Modern History (VCE) History (IBDP) Global Politics (VCE/IBDP) Legal Studies (VCE) |
Why choose this subject?
Choose this subject if you are interested in:
engaging with important international issues of our time, from global warming to terrorism, aid to intervention.
developing skills in public speaking, research, and negotiation.
becoming a better team-player and leader.