Model African Union

2002 NJCU Model OAU delegation at the Zimbabwe Embassy

This course is designed to prepare students to participate in a four-day conference held annually during the first week of March at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The conference is conducted almost exclusively by students from many campuses across the country. This year's conference will be the 23nd Annual National Model of the Organization of African Unity.
New Jersey City University will represent Zimbabwe.We shall study the domestic and foreign policies of the country. We will be considered for purposes of the conference, the representatives and spokespersons of Zimbabwe. In fact, we will be expected to show great familiarity with the special circumstances of our country. The conference is an intensive exercise in role-playing on an international scale.

Objectives:

1. To help students understand the current problems facing the African continent.
2. To help students learn to conduct themselves as diplomats
3. To show that the political and economic problems of Africa are part of the political and economic problems on the international system.
4. To demonstrate that negotiations, arbitration, and peaceful settlement of disputes are indispensable tools for the maintenance on world peace and international order.

Requirements:

1. Regular attendance and active participation in class discussions. You will be assigned to report on Chapters from the reading material. 100 points
2. Participation in the Model OAU conference as a delegate. 200 points
3. Submission on one resolution to be sent to the convenors for formal discussion.
4. Research paper. At least 10 pages, typewritten, and in proper format (ie. title page,
table of contents, sub-topics, footnotes, bibliography). Your paper will identify two
political, economic, or social problems faced by the country, discuss policies that
have been implemented, and your own analysis. You will also present a fifteen minute
synopsis of your paper. 100 points

Books and Resources
1. Global Studies: Africa (eight edition)
2. Schaeder. African Politics and Society (St. Martins Press, 2000)
3. Commission Delegate's Handbook
4. Commission Officer's Handbook
5. Resolutions from 2000 Conference
6. Logistical Information of Conference

7. Selected Background Information

Course Outline:

Week I: Introduction
Review of Documents
Make assignments for readings
Decide on issue area that will be the subject of your resolution

Week 2: Learning about Africa
Reading Assignment:
Handouts
Global Studies: Africa
Selected Readings
Study Roberts Rules of Order
Assignment: Research your issue area on the internet, current
newspapers, journals, and magazines to support your resolution..

Week 3: Learning About Africa

Reading Assignments:
Global Studies: Africa
Selected Readings
Study Roberts Rules of Order
Assignment: Research your issue area on the internet, current
newspapers, journals, and magazines to support your resolution.

Week 4:The OAU Charter and the responsibilities of nation states
Reading: Handouts
Study Roberts Rules of Order
Assignment: Research your issue area on the internet, current
newspapers, journals, and magazines to support your resolution.

Week 5: Resolutions Due
Have copies of your resolution available for all members of class before class time. We will review and discuss your resolution. Be prepared to defend your perspective.
Study Roberts Rules of Order. We will review parliamentary procedure
(Roberts rules of order)

Week 6: Final Review of Resolutions
We will discuss and debate the issues presented in the resolutions
according to Roberts Rules of Order

Week 7: Final overview of our country's position before trip.

Week 8: Conference at Howard University

Week 9: Spring Break

Week 10: Comprehensive discussion and analysis of the conference

Week 11-12: Independent Study- Meet w/Professor to discuss and work on individual
papers

Week 13-14: Final Papers and Oral Presentations Due

Week 15:Final Analysis