The United Nations: Challenges and Change
Printed Curriculum [$25]
Downloadable Curriculum [$20]
Class Set [$12.50 ea] (10 min)
Second edition. September 2007.
Overview
The United Nations: Challenges and Change introduces students to the idea of "collective security." At the turn of the twenty-first century, the United Nations is at the center of world affairs. With 191 Member States and a vast network of global agencies, the UN undertakes work ranging from environmental regulation to refugee resettlement. Since Franklin Roosevelt steered the UN's formation, the United States has provided leadership and wielded unmatched influence within the United Nations. Today, as the international community debates changes to the UN, the United States must consider the role it will play within the organization. Behind this question is the more fundamental question of how the UN should fit into future international affairs.
Readings
A series of readings trace the emergence of the League of Nations to the formation of the United Nations. Students will examine the UN's role in the world through an evaluation of three areas of UN work - the Security Council, peacekeeping, and the Commission on Human Rights. Each of these sections draws on case studies to foster thoughtful consideration of the UN's achievements and shortcomings.
The Choices Role Play
A role play at the heart of the unit engages students in consideration of a range of alternatives for U.S. policy on this issue. Each of the three viewpoints, or Options, is based in a distinct set of values or beliefs. Each takes a different perspective on the role of the United States in the world and its relationship with the UN. After considering the three Options, students are expected to articulate their own perspective on the issues.
Lessons
The Teacher Resource Book accompanying The United Nations: Challenges and Change contains a day-by-day lesson plan and student activities.
- Day 1: The Day 1 lesson plan asks students to compare the League of Nations and the United Nations, paying special attention to the values underlying each organization.
- Alternative Day 1: This alternative lesson provides students with an opportunity to write a charter in the image of the UN Charter.
- Day 2: Students assume the role of a UN Member State in the General Assembly and debate the passage of a resolution proposing to intervene in a fictional South American conflict.
- Days 3 and 4: A role-play in which students consider a range of perspectives on the role of the UN and considerations about UN reform.
- Day 5: Students work in small groups to deliberate and refine individual proposals for UN reform.