UN Simulation & Negotiation (2026/2027: Semester 2 – Spring)

Show schedule Print this page

Course aim

After completing the course students will have mastered the most important developments, principles, trends and theories regarding:
  1. Causes and types of violent conflict on the international, societal and interpersonal level;
  2. Conflict resolution and specifically negotiation and mediation at the international, societal, and interpersonal level;
  3. Peacebuilding activities at the international and community-level, and their importance to diplomats, militaries, aid agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the UN;
Methodologically, students will be able to
  1. Analyze conflicts with the use of a conflict map;
  2. Use and execute conflict simulations as a unique methodology and tool for analysis and training;
  3. Use and apply a conflict resolution skillset: understanding and using the most important negotiator and mediator roles, tactics and habits;
  4. Use and apply peacebuilding as a multidisciplinary method that aims to resolve injustice and to transform conditions that generate destructive conflict.
Relationship between assessment and learning goals:
Description of assignment Assesses which course aims?

Presentation / Organisation
Final Paper
Negotiation Skills Assessment

 1-3 + 4-5
1-3 + 5-7
2, 5

Course content

Course was renamed in 2022 from Conflict Simulation & Negotiation to UN Simulation & Negotiation
It has largely the same content and learning goals as before, so cannot be taken twice.

This course will focus on the acquisition of core practical skills required to work in international professional environments, be they linked to foreign policy, diplomacy, or international organizations and NGOs. At the core of this course are primary sources – students will learn not only how to research and interpret historical documents such as policy memos, resolutions, transcripts of conversations, speeches, etc. but, importantly, how to also create them. This course will therefore raise their awareness of the fact that the sources they usually study merely as static historical objects have actually been part of a dynamic process, which was intended to shape the future rather than reflect the past. Each week, we will use a real historical case study to simulate ‘crisis’ situations – interventions (both covert and military), humanitarian crises, nuclear peace negotiations, etc. – in order to develop the research, communication (both oral and written) and presentation skills required for professionals operating in international environments. Each of these exercises is meant as a ‘building block’ in developing the skills necessary to participate the in the final and most extensive simulation of the course – a UN Security Council meeting to adopt a resolution in a real-life humanitarian crisis. Student attendance in all seminars and exercises is therefore imperative, as they gain the skills and knowledge to participate in the Security Council simulation, which is the culmination of the course.

Format
Through interactive and simulated learning, students will develop an understanding of decision-making on different levels in complex contexts. They will practically learn:
  • How to handle complexity without being overwhelmed, and communicate effectively and professionally;
  • Strategic planning, prioritization, and program design in conflict-affected states;
  • Conflict resolution through negotiation, and mediation;
  • Peace-building through interpersonal and community engagement;
  • Active listening, public speaking, negotiation, diplomacy, team and information management, coalition building, and professional written communications.

Instructional formats

UCU INT 2 course

Examination

Class participation and Individual reflection paper

Required | Weight 15% | ECTS 1.13

Assignment 1

Required | Weight 20% | ECTS 1.5

Assignment 2

Required | Weight 20% | ECTS 1.5

Assignment 3

Required | Weight 20% | ECTS 1.5

UN Simulation (Group Assignment)

Required | Weight 25% | ECTS 1.88

*midterm FEEDBACK*

Not required

Entry requirements and preknowledge

Entry Requirements

You must have at least 60 credits of the bachelor program

Preknowledge

No data about preknowledge is available.

Languages

  • English

Competences

  • Academic writing
  • Debating / discourse analysis
  • Interdisciplinarity
  • Critical reading
  • Learning in Communities
  • Listening
  • Community based learning / community based research
  • Research skills
  • Presenting
  • Collaboration

Course Iterations

Related studies

Exams

There is no timetable available of the exams

Required Materials

  • BOEK
    TBA
  • READER

Recommended Materials

No information available on the recommended literature

Remarks

Counts towards HUM or SSC major.

Coördinator

dr. C. Mavrodin c.mavrodin@uu.nl

Lecturers

dr. C. Mavrodin c.mavrodin@uu.nl

Enrolment

Attention: this course is not open to students from other faculties, so subsidiary students can't enroll for this course.

Go to OSIRIS-enrolments
Permanent link to course page
Show in the Course-Catalog
Show in MyTimetable