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Debate & Public Speaking Camp Level #3: Model United Nations

Be a United Nations Ambassador and learn international current events, geography, politics, debate, & public speaking skills! Model United Nations is one of the largest academic competitions in the world
Erik, Professor, J.D, MS, BS
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(1,143)
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Class

What's included

8 live meetings
8 in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be expected to research and write a Position Paper, which is a short essay. Estimated homework time is 2-4 hours per week.
Assessment
1. Daily Global Current Events Trivia. Each class we start with trivia and questions about our countries and issues. 2. Model United Nations Debate Practice. Each class features debates and speeches on the skills we learn each week. 3. Writing Projects: Students will write a Resolution, Position Paper, as well as other Speeches throughout the course.

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8
CLASS SUMMARY:

This is a continuation of the Debate Camp Level #3 Series. Students should have been enrolled in Level #1 and/or Level #2 before enrolling. 

This is a great class for debate students who would like to continue practicing live debate skills. About half of every class will be devoted to practice debates. The other half of the class will be devoted to Model UN skills, United Nations Topics, Global Current Events, and International Topics. 

Even if not interested in participating in Model United Nations - this is a great class for middle school students (Grades 6th, 7th, 8th or higher) who are interested in geography, current events, international affairs, history, discussion, negotiation, debate, and public speaking. Model United Nations is one of the largest academic programs at the high school and college levels. Students role play as "Ambassadors" and learn everything about their assigned nation and then work with other "Ambassadors" to solve a problem presented.  In this fun and interactive process, students learn every academic subject and skill.  Every class we kick off with international current events topics, trivia, and discussion! 


CLASS SCHEDULE:

1. 10 Minutes: Global Current Events! We begin each class with sharing global current events and a short trivia game on the Global Current Events of that week.

2. 10 Minutes: International Debate Topics. Each week we will focus on a new global topic area that is aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

3. 20- 30 Minutes: Debate Practice! We practice our speech, debate and Model UN negotiation skills on these weekly global debate topics. 

4. 10 - 20 Minutes: New Model UN Skills! We will end with an introduction to new Model UN skills that we will apply the following week in our practice speeches and debates. 


CLASS RECOMMENDATIONS/PREREQUISITE
Students must enroll in a Level #1 or Level #2 Debate Camp class before participating in any Level #3 class. Links to those classes are below: 

Beginners Speech and Debate Camp Level I (Beginners)
https://outschool.com/classes/middle-school-speech-and-debate-camp-edkFYUzZ?usid=j2iJky1O&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

Beginners Speech and Debate Camp Level II (Beginners): Debate Skills & Events
This is the next step for Debate Camp Level #1 students. In this class we learn advanced debate skills and different debate formats.
https://outschool.com/classes/middle-school-speech-and-debate-camp-level-ii-TeSFoFwy?usid=j2iJky1O&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link


CLASS DEBATE TOPICS AND THE UNITED NATIONS' SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs)

Each class will feature new international topics based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They are one of the most ambitious projects of our lifetimes. They address every global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. So join us each month in learning, speaking, debating, advocating these subjects and skills. My mission is that students will continue their advocacy and work for these SDGs in any career pathway they choose. Topics include: 

Poverty and Economics
Hunger
Good health and well-being
Quality Education
Gender equality
Clean water and sanitation
Affordable and clean energy
Decent work and economic growth
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Reduced inequalities
Sustainable cities and economies
Responsible consumption and production
Climate action
Life below water
Life on land
Peace, justice and strong institutions
Partnership for the goals
and More!


CLASS MODEL UNITED NATIONS DEBATE SKILLS

Week #1: MUN Debate Skill #1: Public Speaking
Week #2: MUN Debate Skill #2: Resolution Writing
Week #3: MUN Debate Skill #3: Position Paper Writing
Week #4: MUN Debate Skills: Unmoderated Caucus
Week #5: MUN Debate Skills: Parliamentary Procedure
Week #6: MUN Debate Skills: Research Skills
Week #7: MUN Debate Skills: Committees & Emergency Special Sessions
Week #8: MUN Debate Skills: Competing in MUN Conferences


CLASS SEQUENCE:

After this class, I would recommend the following Level #3 classes to continue to practice debate skills, learn new debate events, and practice public speaking skills:

Debate and Public Speaking Camp Level III: Congressional Debate & Civics
This is an Intermediate/Advanced Debate class that focuses on the popular debate event of Congressional Debate. Students will learn all aspects of Congressional Debate from writing Resolutions, Bills, Amendments and Authorship Speeches to running for the Presiding Officer position. Even if not in the debate event of Congressional Debate, you will learn and practice advanced debating and writing skills, practice for the Advanced Placement US Government & Politics Exam, and learn about career opportunities in Congress, Legislation, and lawmaking. 
Class Link: https://outschool.com/classes/debate-and-public-speaking-camp-level-3-congressional-debate-3MkF7GLQ

Beginners Speech and Debate Camp Level III: The Speech Events!
In this camp we will focus on the speech events and advanced public speaking skills. Highly recommended for debaters as well, since public speaking and audience adaptation is the #1 debate skill. 
https://outschool.com/classes/middle-school-speech-and-debate-camp-level-ii-the-speech-events-8AJXuexH?usid=j2iJky1O&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

Current Events Club
https://outschool.com/classes/current-events-club-debate-speech-advocate-change-the-world-2QgX0MtZ?usid=j2iJky1O&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

Follow my Outschool Profile for any new classes & updates! 
https://outschool.com/teachers/eriktheteacher
Learning Goals
I have ten learning goals for every student! 

1.  Model United Nations teaches every subject! In Model United Nations students learn geography, current events, international diplomacy and our Model United Nations topics include every topic from environmental affairs to military conflicts to space exploration! Students will explore a diverse number of subjects.

2.  Writing skills. Students will learn how to write Position Papers, Speeches and Resolutions for our Model United Nations conference. 

3.  Research skills. Students will role play a country in Model United Nations and research and learn everything about their assigned country. 

4.  Diplomacy and Negotiation Skills. Students must also learn skills in negotiating and discussing with others.

5.  Public Speaking. Students develop public speaking skills in our daily fun activities to prepare for our Model United Nations Conference. 

6.   Leadership Skills. Students role play as the Ambassador of their country and represent their country throughout our Camp in solving an international problem. 

7.  Problem Solving Skills.  At its core, Model United Nations is about problem solving. Students are presented with a global problem that they have to brainstorm, research, write, negotiate, discuss and ultimately create a solution or "resolution" that is agreed on by all countries. 

8.  Worldly Knowledge. Geography and International Affairs are often neglected in school curriculums but they are the most important subjects in a globalized world. Students will learn and appreciate diverse nations, cultures, and perspectives. Students will learn about global issues, problems and solutions. Students will put themselves in the feet of another country rather than their home country. Students will study current events on a daily basis. The United Nations is one of the most incredible organizations and our future will be determined by how we all work together. 

9.  College Preparation. Nearly every college has a Model United Nations Team and colleges often look towards extracurricular programs like Model United Nations.  Additionally. by learning Model United now, I hope you continue Model United Nations through college.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
8 Lessons
over 8 Weeks
Lesson 1:
MUN Debate Skills: Public Speaking
 This lesson will introduce the United Nations, Structure and Organization of the UN, and Model United Nations.  Our Debate Topic #1 will be on Global Economics. 
60 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
MUN Debate Skills: Resolution Writing
 This lesson will introduce Resolution Writing Skills in Model United Nations. Students will also do a Practice Speech on their Resolution.  Our Debate Topic #2 will be on the Global Environment. 
60 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 3:
MUN Debate Skills: Position Paper Writing
 This lesson will introduce Position Paper Writing Skills in Model UN. Students will do a Practice Speech on a MUN Topic. Our Debate Topic #3 will be on Peace, War, and Defense 
60 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 4:
MUN Debate Skills: Unmoderated Caucus
 This lesson will introduce the skill of Unmoderated Caucus, Amendments, Diplomacy and Negotiation. Our Debate Topic #4 will be on Science & Technology topics - Space Exploration, Technology, Innovation, STEAM, etc. 
60 mins online live lesson
1 assignment

Other Details

Parental Guidance
We will be discussing current events ranging from environmental issues to human rights to politics. Model United Nations Club will be offered each month with new topics! I understand that current events can be controversial. I have been teaching debate for about twenty years, I was a debater for another ten years, and I have founded and directed the largest debate league in the nation! So I have substantial experience in speaking and debating on issues of controversy. My rule of thumb and one of the first things I say in class and our number one rule: RESPECT - we respect all viewpoints, politics and perspectives. As a teacher I am not focused on what the politics of students are but focused on HOW students express their opinions - public speaking skills, writing skills, reading skills, presentation skills, debate skills and social skills of respect towards all others. Additionally, for any issues of controversy we always discuss other viewpoints and arguments so that students learn and respect different perspectives. External Resources Statement: We will be using a variety of classroom tools, readings, links and other external resources. Please review the Materials section before signing up for this class. These resources are optional. No accounts have to be created. All these resources are free. All these resources have been vetted and used widely by students, schools and teacher. But I do recommend that students read, listen or watch some sort of news and current events for the class.
Pre-Requisites
Students should enroll in either Level #1 or Level #2 (if experienced) before taking a Level #3 Debate Camp course.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined September, 2020
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in History from University of California, Berkeley
In addition to being a Model United Nations teacher, I was the New York City Model United Nations Global Classrooms Coordinator to help teachers and schools implement Model United Nations programs and curriculum. 

I have been involved in speech and debate as a student and educator my entire life.  I learned more in my Speech and Debate Club than all my high school, college and law school classes combined. I joined the Speech and Debate Team at my middle school because I was very shy of public speaking. I have been hooked in speech and debate since! 

I received my B.A. from U.C Berkeley, Jurist Doctorate from Hastings College of Law, and Masters Degree in Education at Pace University.  In 2002 I was accepted to Teach for America and I have been teaching since. I have been a public school teacher for ten years with the New York City Department of Education and taught speech and debate classes for about ten years with thousands of NYC students. My debaters have gone on to win city, state and national champion titles. I currently serve as Professor at Baruch College in the Communications Studies Department. I teach Debate and Argumentation classes as well as Political Rhetoric. 

As a teacher I helped to co-found the Big Apple Debate League which is now the NY Debate League. In 2011, I founded our city's Debate League with the mission that every middle school and high school should have a debate team. I served as Founder and Executive Director from 2011-2019 building the league into the largest citywide debate league in the nation, serving thousands of students every year.  In 2020, I left the nonprofit world, and I returned to my passion as a full time teacher! 

I have received numerous awards in education including the United States Supreme Court Summer Institute for Teachers Fellowship, Fund for Teachers Fellowship, Plank Foundation Fellowship, and Teach for America Innovation Award Finalist.

I love teaching. My grandparents, parents and my brother are all educators. There is nothing more fun than sharing your passion with others. 

My philosophy of teaching is learning should be fun and challenging.  I always begin my classes with current events trivia.  My lectures are interactive with movie clips, songs, puzzles and other engaging tools.  We always practice our public speaking and debate skills. All my classes end with a fun and competitive speech and debate practice or tournament.  My mission is all students should have access to speech and debate.

Press. Below are some news articles about me and my debaters! I owe everything to my own debate teacher and coach and so everyday my mission is to support future debaters! 

1. First Lady Michelle Obama Honors Erik and the Great Debaters
https://tinyurl.com/29u2cfpw

2. Bronx debate team one of 12 school groups nationally to get visit with Michelle Obama
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/skilled-young-orators-heading-white-house-article-1.1203407

3. New York City Teacher Creates After School Debate League Lauded by the White House
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/11/prweb10156172.htm

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Live Group Course
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$160

for 8 classes
1x per week, 8 weeks
60 min

Completed by 532 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-15
9-18 learners per class

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