This course provides an understanding of the function of the American national government. The development of the Constitution and the American political system are considered in the light of contemporary economic, social, and technological conditions.

This issue-oriented and discussion-based introduction to the United Nations overviews the history and structure of the U.N. and teaches students about the functioning of its various committees through study of current issues that are being addressed by U.N. member states. Topics include the concept of “collective security”, Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an introduction to the Middle East conflict and the impact of the Cold War on the U.N. Case studies will include the U.N.’s response to the AIDS epidemic, genocide (Rwanda and Darfur), nuclear weapons proliferation (Iran and North Korea), women’s rights issues and global climate change. Students will research these and other issues confronting the United Nations and participate in group presentations and debates. All students in the course represent Bay Path University at the four-day Harvard National Model United Nations Conference held each year in Boston. The latter half of the course is devoted to researching the nation assigned to Bay Path University and preparing for the conference in Boston.

Students in this course learn about global leadership models, skills, and practices by assuming leadership roles in the Bay Path College chapter of the Harvard National Model United Nations such as ambassador, cultural attaché, or special U.N. consultant in a specific area. All students in the course represent Bay Path College at the four-day Harvard National Model United Nations Conference held each year in Boston.