High School Level
Global Studies Series through Model United Nations offers a unique opportunity for homeschool high school students by combining an honors-level academic course with a hands-on extracurricular component: participation in 3 Model UN conferences per year.
Each academic year explores a different global theme that is relevant to today’s geopolitical climate and allows students to critically engage with a variety of international issues. Weekly course assignments may include reading and discussion-based questions, speech writing, preparation for in-class mini-simulations and conferences. In-class sessions feature seminar-style discussions and critical analysis, public speaking practice, simulations, and educational games.
Past course topics in Global Studies included :
– Regions of the World
– Conflict and Peace Building
– The UN and its Role in the World
– Conflict, Negotiation, and Mediation
Students also prepare for and attend 3 Model UN conferences. This includes researching and developing country positions, writing positions papers, and learning Model UN procedure. Along the way, students build skills in research, diplomacy, critical thinking, and global problem-solving. Public speaking, negotiation, and teamwork are emphasized throughout the program in a supportive, peer-driven environment.
Examples of past conferences:
– SSUNS, organized by McGill University in Montreal, Canada
– BOSMUN, organized by Boston University
– EagleMUNC, organized by Boston College
– NHSMUN, organized by the International Model UN Association in New York City
– DartMUN, organized by Dartmouth University, Hannover, NH
– NGMUN, organized by the Noble and Greenough High School, MA
The Global Studies through Model United Nations provides homeschool high school students with an exceptional way to develop global literacy, interact with complex international topics, and gain experience in diplomacy and leadership. It demonstrates what a social science with a “lab” component can look like – academic rigor paired with experiential learning.
Middle School Level
The middle school cohort of Mosaic Model UN focuses on preparing students to actively participate in Model United Nations conferences. Students learn the fundamentals of parliamentary procedure and gradually build confidence through regular public speaking practice and mini-simulations.
A strong emphasis is placed on research discipline – planning, segmenting information, and managing time effectively. Students learn to thoughtfully engage with complex global issues by representing the perspectives of countries that may differ from their own. This process encourages empathy, critical thinking, and intellectual flexibility.
Once students have completed their country research, they move on to outlining their position papers. This step-by-step approach helps transform the writing process into a cohesive and rewarding experience.
Classroom activities include public speaking practice, group discussions, mini-simulations, and educational games designed to reinforce key concepts and skills in a dynamic, supportive environment.
Tentative conferences we will be choosing from for this coming year:
– MSMUN – Middle School Model UN Conference organized by United Association of Greater Boston (Nov 15)
– DIMUN – Invitational Model UN Conference (crisis) – (Dec 6)
– COMMUN X – Model UN Conference organized by the Commonwealth School
– BUAMUN – Boston University Academy Model UN