POLISC210 - Model United Nations - Phil Gussin
| Course: | Model United Nations |
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| Professor: | Phil Gussin |
| Email: | phil.gussin@canyons.edu |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
My name is Dr. Phil Gussin. I have been teaching the Model United Nations course at College of the Canyons for many years. I am also the Faculty Advisor for the Model United Nations Club.
There are many good reasons to enroll in Political Science 210. If you're interested in improving your leadership skills, it's a great class. If you're interested in developing your researching skills, learning to write clearly and concisely using formal language, or improving your ability to speak extemporaneously on complicated topics, it's fantastic. If the idea of quickly mastering the rules of procedure that govern Model United Nations' conferences or developing your ability to negotiate effectively sounds enticing, it's a great class. Mostly importantly, if the thought of being challenged -- both personally and academically -- is a little frightening but exciting -- and you are willing to commit the time and effort necessary to achieve excellence, this class will be extremely rewarding.
There are also some bad reasons to enroll in Political Science 210. For example, if you are enrolling because you need the units, you should probably look elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, I understand that students need units to graduate. The problem is that Political Science 210 is not a normal class. Students who enroll are joining an academic team; a successful academic team. For example, in fall 2019, the College of the Canyons Model United Nations team was ranked 28th in the nation, just ahead of UC Santa Barbara (29th) and Notre Dame (30th). We were the only community college to achieve that distinction. In fact, we were the only community college in the Top 50. And we didn't achieve that status by competing against other community colleges. We typically compete with students from universities and colleges such as UCLA, USC, Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara and UC Davis, and others.
Suffice it to say, it's a very challenging course.
Course Description
As noted above, the class is primarily skills-based. The semester will begin with students learning the rules of procedure that govern Model United Nations conference. They will simultaneously be learning how to speak extemporaneously on a wide-range of global topics, develop negotiating skills, while learning to write resolutions, a legal-style document used by the United Nations. We typically attend two or three conferences per semester and host one of our own. As we prepare for conferences, students will also be learning and researching topics from the perspective of a country or character they will be representing at the conferences.
What to Expect in this Course
The conferences you will be attending usually take place earlier in the semester. The dates of the conferences -- which change each semester -- will be listed on the course syllabus. You must attend the conferences.
The work for the class is front-loaded because most conferences take place before the end of the semester. As a result, while you can expect to be extremely busy in the first twelve or thirteen weeks of the semester, the work load will drop off significantly towards the end. This will allow you to focus on your other course work.
As a result of the pandemic, all conferences and class meetings are taking place via Zoom. Therefore, students will need to have a webcam and microphone. We will be using Canvas, Google Docs, and Discord on a regular basis. Also, given the nature of the Model United Nations program and the emphasis we place on public speaking and teleconferencing skills, students will need to have their webcams on.
Types of Assessments
There are multiple types of assessments.
Quizzes: To prepare for class, students will watch videos explaining some aspect of the Model United Nations, after which they will complete online quizzes.
Conference Preparation: Students will also be evaluated on how well they prepare for conferences. This can include -- but is not excluded to -- the research they do on their assigned country or character, handing in writing assignments (e.g., Position Papers), as well as devising negotiating strategies.
Conference Performance: Student will be evaluated based on how well they perform in actual conferences. This involves assessing the extent to which students used the information/strategies discussed and practiced during class. It also involves assessing how well the student represented the country or character they were assigned.
Classroom performance and activities: To prepare for conferences, we engage in practice sessions (hereafter referred to as "simulations.") During simulations, students will be evaluated on the basis of their mastery of the rules of procedure, the implementation of effective strategies, level of research, initiative, creativity and punctuality.
Textbook Information
There are no textbooks for this class. However, there is an extensive amount of required reading, all of which will be provided on the Canvas webpage.
All of the information needed for the class will be available on Canvas. This will include links to numerous videos explaining the rules of procedure that govern Model United Nations conferences, as well as Background Guides that explain the topics that students will be discussing at conferences.
Other Relevant Course Information
In order to participate in a conference, delegates must demonstrate a high degree of competence. I will not permit delegates who are unprepared to represent College of the Canyons. Delegates who fail to do so will not be permitted to attend conferences. Instead, they will be given an alternative assignment in which the maximum possible grade they can earn is a "B."
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
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Last updated: 10/26/2021 Sub#: 1116