Semester on the United Nations
Location: New York City, NY Experience Type: nycTRECs
Classes begin in late August, end in early December and are held in New York or on campus on Wednesdays and/or Fridays.
About the Program
Travel
Just a train ride away from Drew’s campus, on the banks of the East River, sits the United Nations, the world’s most notable international organization. Outside the headquarters building, colorful flags flutter, representing each of the UN’s 193 member states. Inside, a global staff are tasked with the promotion and safeguard of international peace and security.
Here, and in Drew’s UN classroom just across 1st Avenue, students meet with diplomats, policy experts and UN Secretariat staff to understand how the UN functions. Visit offices of major non-governmental organizations—Human Rights Watch or the Population Council are two student favorites—to expand your knowledge.
Rethink
Why do states value global governance and comply with international law? How do historical developments, including the horrors associated with WWII, shape the UN’s infrastructure? How has the UN contributed to current international affairs? What is the future of the UN?
Explore
Think peace and security. Climate change. Sustainable development. Include, too, human rights, disarmament and terrorism. Round out the list with humanitarian and health emergencies, gender equality, governance and food production.
The UN’s scope is vast, and you examine all of it in classes and via guest lectures. Delve deeply into the UN’s efforts to prevent conflict, help parties in conflict make peace and create the conditions to allow peace to hold and flourish. Put your newfound knowledge to work in a General Assembly simulation exercise where you play the role of a member state.
Connect
The Semester at the United Nations draws students from disciplines such as history, political science, international relations, sociology, foreign languages and philosophy.
Add this immersive experience to your Launch plan and you will develop skills vital to careers in foreign service, government, journalism, law, public policy, non-governmental organizations, international business, teaching and research.
Courses
Students enrolled in this nycTREC will complete the following courses:
PSCI 383 – The United Nations System and the International Community
On-site exposure to the realities of international politics in the United Nations context. An examination of the evolution of the United Nations and the network of international institutions associated with it. An analysis of the role played by the United Nations in the larger international community. Classes are conducted at the Drew University facilities near the U.N. in New York City.
PSCI 384 – Research Seminar on the United Nations.
Students conduct research on selected topics related to the United Nations and its role in the larger international system. Assignments include the preparation of a major research paper designed to develop techniques appropriate to the analysis of international affairs. Classes are conducted at the Drew University facilities near the U.N. plaza in New York City.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Drew student with sophomore, junior or senior standing
- Have completed PSCI 104/International Relations
- Be in good academic and disciplinary standing
Experience Information
| Sponsor: | Center for Global Education |
|---|---|
| Start Date: | Aug 30, 2021 |
| End Date: | Dec 10, 2021 |
| Apply By: | Mar 10, 2021 |