Usually the examination of international organization performance is organized by general topic:  security, economics, human rights, social, resources, etc.  Within each of these areas there are a number of specific issues.  The class will be divided into five teams and then each team will select the specific issue within its assigned area to be researched and discussed.  For example, within the security area we would focus on a phenomenon such terrorism, a specific type of activity such as peace keeping, or very specific current issue such as Iraq.  Once the issue is selected a series of online background readings will be added to the syllabus. See the course calendar for when each topic will be addressed.  Also you may wish to examine the current issues before the UN General Assembly when selecting your specific issue.   

Specific Tasks Assignment

• First, after reviewing the assigned area, select the specific issues for the project and confirm it with the instructor.

• Second, using all resources, not just the www, research the issue being sure to note the roles of IGO/NGOs to date.

• Third, select one of two structures: (1) develop at least three different scenarios of what will happen on this issue in the future, or (2) or develop at least three different policy proposals for this issue.  In either case, delineate the role(s) of IGOs and NGOs

• Fourth, Select the scenario you think is most likely to occur or, the policy option you most prefer, and defend your choice.

• Fifth, report these elements in the form of a WWW site.

• Six, lead the class discussion on this topic

Report Format

Your WWW report site should contain at least the following:

• A brief (no more than two computer screens) home page which has all necessary links  --- an alternative would be the use of frames with the same index frame on all pages

• One or more pages which describe the problem and delineating IGO/NGO roles to date

• A listing of the scenarios or policy options with links to the pages treating each

• At least one page for each scenario or option

• A final page where you defend you choice of either most likely scenario or most preferred policy option

• A  page of links to WWW resources on this topic.  

The web site should be ready for presentation/use in the discussion.

Mechanics 

The easiest way to create the WWW site is to use an html editor you know (e.g., Frontpage, Publisher).  If you do not have an editor simply use WORD and save it as a html file.  You could also use Netscape's Composer, but be careful.  Early version of Composer do not display properly when you use Internet Explorer. While some prepare just a single page for the WWW and have links within the large page, the best way is to have each page be a separate file (This is very useful if each member of the team is responsible for one scenario or option). You need to insert the proper links so the viewer can move from page to page.

Any existing WWW page can be saved as a template for your site.  All the pages need to have the same design template.

I have created a simple example,  issueindex.htm, for the main page.  Keep all page files in a single directory. 

You will place a copy of all of your files on a disk, CD, or email me a zipped file. I will then transfer your files to the server that contains the home page for the course and create the links.