MUN Research

1
MUN Research

• How to Investigate Effectively

2
What are you researching for?

• Writing Position Papers, Working Papers,
  Resolutions, and Amendments.
• Delivering speeches, making comments, asking
  questions, caucusing and lobbying.
• Intimidation effect (showmanship).
• Confidence building for your own good.
• I never know what I think about something until
  I read what I've written on it. William Faulkner

3
The Basics

• Where to begin
• About the U.N. system and the committee you will
  be in background information-history and
  purpose. (HW5)
• The country you will be representing brief yet
  thorough history (timeline of events, leaders,
  institutions), statistical data (numbers/facts
  figures), international/regional participation.
• The topic(s)/issue(s) of discussion. Background,
  parties involved, possible solutions.

4
About the U.N.

• Books about the U.N. system
• Internet sites www.un.org
• Other websites of the various organs or
  committees
• Newspapers and magazines Washington Post, NY
  Times, Economist, BBC World News, U.N. Wire.

5
About the Country

• U.S. Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook
• https//www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world
  -factbook/index.html
• U.S. State Department Background Notes
• http//www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/
• BBC News Country Profiles
• http//news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profiles/defaul
  t.stm
• Country Embassies
• http//www.embassy.org/embassies/

6
About the Issues

• Books and Publications
• At least 50 of your research
• Site your sources ALWAYS!
• Internet Google searches
• Document your sites for plagiarism purposes
• Make copies of primary sources
• Take copious notes on secondary sources
• Quote the best information only

7
Dont Read Everything!

• GIST
• Get to understand the main idea(s) that are being
  presented
• Read the important information thoroughly.
• Learn how to Skim
• Main Headingsgt Sub Headings gt First and Last
  Paragraphsgt first sentences of paragraphsgt key
  words/vocabularygtsidebar pictures graphs.

8
Past U.N. Resolutions and Documents, Speeches

• Use the actual documents on the topic(s).
• http//www.un.org/en/documents/
• Look at the Voting record of your country on past
  Resolutions.
• Glean information about your countries position
  from actual speeches delivered by your
  Ambassadors and other leaders.
• Make copies of these papers.

9
MUN Research Binder

• Keep a 3 ring binder for your research
• Divide it by topic
• Keep it up to date with current event articles
• Bring it to conferences with you!
• Develop Country Stationary to take and pass
  notes with! Include flag and national
  emblem/crest/seal.
• Learn and Have Fun!

10
Bibliographic Information

• Site your sources!!! Even when its not required.
• MLA or Univ. of Chicago styles.
• Author, Title, Date, Publisher, page(s) cited
• Website information
• And MVHS MUN has its very own search engine
  designed by Bryce Simon!