PLSC 1303 - Introduction to the United Nations

An introduction of the history, establishment, charter, structure, and decision-making processes of the United Nations. Students will critically analyze the role of the UN in the international system during the Cold War and post-Cold War periods, specifically in the areas of international peace, security, disarmament, arms control, human rights, humanitarian interventions, humanitarian assistance, refugees, and development. While learning this material, students will also prepare for and participate in Model UN competitions.

Pre-Requisite
None

Co-Requisite
N/A

Cross Listed Course
N/A

3 Credit Hour(s)

Contact Hours
45 lecture hours

3 Faculty Load Hour(s)

Semesters Offered
Spring

ACTS Equivalent
N/A

Grade Mode
A-F

Learning Outcomes
Students completing this course will be able to:

• Identify the UN’s principal organs.
• Describe the basic functions and powers of the UN’s principal organs.
• Trace the history of the UN system and its predecessors.
• Analyze the balance between sovereignty and international justice in the UN system.
• Evaluate policy issues of international governance in the UN system.
• Evaluate defenses and criticism of the UN system.

•  Precursors to the United Nations
• Sovereignty
• International Justice
• UN Charter
• UN General Assembly
• UN Economic and Social Council
• UN Human Rights Council
• UN Security Council
• UN Secretary General
• International Criminal Court
• International Development
• Millennium Development Goals
• International Law
• Genocide
• Human Rights
• Laws of War
• Humanitarian Interventions
• Peacekeeping
• Reforming the UN

Learning activities

• N/A

Assessments

• N/A

Grading guidelines

• N/A