Academics

ALST 290 prepares students for participation in the National Model African Union, a three-day simulation exercise sponsored by Howard University in Washington, D.C., and attended by teams of students from more than 20 U.S. colleges and universities.

Students will spend the first five weeks of the semester meeting once a week for two hours (at a time to be arranged in light of the schedules of all participants) and one debriefing meeting after the return from the trip. Preparation will include research and preparation of a position paper in support of a resolution to be presented to one of the five standing committees of the African Union: Social Affairs, Economic Affairs, Peace and Security, Union Governance, and the Executive Council (which will manage a simulated security crisis). Students will also learn about Roberts Rules of Order, debate, and diplomacy. Grades will be based on a 8-10 page position paper and resolution as well as active participation in the on-campus class and at the simulation. 

Students can receive one-half course credit for participation in this experience. All expenses for the trip to Washington, D.C., are provided and the trip includes briefing sessions at the embassies of the countries Colgate will be representing, Angola and Ethiopia and a possible third country. Students must be able to leave campus for the trip from Feb. 23 - 27, 2011. The class will end the first week in March. Prerequisites are ALST 201/Core 189, or Core 170, 173, or 190, or permission of the instructor.

Contact Professor Mary Moran, faculty advisor for this project, for more information.