Using interactive materials developed by the experts at the Council on Foreign Relations, students will learn about the tools of diplomacy and the role of the National Security Council by taking on the role of a member of the NSC, advising the President of the United States about how the country will respond to a realistic international situation. Classes are highly interactive and will involve a mix of history, research, current events, and foreign policy as students prepare for the simulation. The course will culminate with students role-playing as members of the NSC, providing the President with their best recommendations for how the country should respond to the pressures and challenges of the upcoming summit. 

In this simulation, the students will act as members of the National Security Council, convening to formulate a climate policy to be presented by the President at an upcoming international climate summit. Advisors must consider what goal to pursue at the summit. NSC members will need to weigh the options, bearing in mind the potential impact of climate change, the potential effects of proposed measures to limit or prevent it, and the need to secure international support for the U.S. approach from both developed and developing countries.

Day 1:  Students will get an overview of climate change data, plus information about current steps being taken worldwide to curb the problems caused by climate change. We will investigate the goals and success (or failure) of changes made as a result of the 2015 Paris Climate Accord.
 - Homework: Students will read articles and watch a short video about the recent history of climate change action, and why there is disagreement about who is responsible for climate change.

Day 2:  How do climate change and foreign policy intersect? In this meeting, students will learn how climate change is not just about the environment, but also impacts economic and political stability. 
 - Homework:  Students will complete reading on the foreign policy aspects of climate change, and will watch a video on different types of alternative energy sources.

Day 3: What is foreign policy?  This class meeting is dedicated to an overview of the goals and tools of foreign policy, and an explanation of the history and role of the National Security Council. Who makes the policies? Who carries them out? After this meeting, students will be assigned their role on the National Security Council. The assignment will be based on student request and interest, and group dynamics.
 - Homework:  Students will be provided with information about their NSC position so that they can begin to prepare their policy position.

Day 4:  How do members of the NSC approach a foreign policy situation? How does the position they hold (for example, Secretary of Defense) impact the foreign policy solution they support?
 - Homework:  To prepare for the National Security Council meeting on Day 5, students will need to choose a policy proposal to support, and will need to gather information that supports that choice. They will compose a short statement outlining and supporting their chosen policy proposal that will guide their discussion during the Day 5 meeting. 

Day 5:  Students will meet as advisors on the National Security Council, gathered to coordinate a suggested policy response for the new U.S. President. Each student will briefly present their chosen policy proposal, and will be part of a group discussion where they work to meet a consensus and to finalize a policy proposal for the new U.S. administration.