(I mentioned this at the bottom of my last post, but just so everyone sees it):
Introducing: the EU Discussion Forum!
One other way to participate in the blog is to comment on the “discussion forum” (one of the tabs to the right, or click on the hyperlink), where delegates can post questions, concerns, etc. that can be answered by other delegates and/or the chairs - remember to keep it professional though. Post away!
-Danielle
There are many reasons delegates should check the EU blog. One, there may be topic updates that you will need to be aware of on the day of the conference. Two, the blog can be a helpful source of research information. Three, your chair and vice-chairs are putting a lot of time and effort into the blog.
But, what might be most important to some of you (though not necessarily), is that this year, EU is going to be giving points for blog participation. Whether this means commenting on a post updated by one of your chairs, asking a question on a post, or even e-mailing a question if you feel embarrassed to write it to the public, all of these situations will get you points.
These points will serve as general “participation points”, and while they will not guarantee an award or a high score, they can only help when we are taking an overall look at each delegate’s performance.
One other way to participate in the blog is to comment on the “discussion forum” (one of the tabs to the right), where delegates can post questions, concerns, etc. that can be answered by other delegates and/or the chairs - remember to keep it professional though!
-Danielle
Delegates,
Just a few words about writing your paper. First, as I am sure you all know, plagiarism is strictly forbidden at BMUN. If you are using a direct quote or even ideas from another source (which presumably you all will be), you must use citations. I prefer footnotes, they are easier to read, but parenthetical citations or end-notes are fine.
You may not cite the topic synopsis as it is meant as a general overview on the topic and should not be a source of specific information in your paper. Also, do not cite wikipedia.
While your paper will be graded primarily on substance, do not neglect style when writing your paper. Each paper should be divided into logical sections with corresponding information that fits in each section. Proof-read your papers so that there are no typos or grammatical mistakes. Try not to be repetitive with what you write - saying something one time succinctly is an effective way of getting your point across. Remember that this is a research paper, so there is no need for fancy language, broad terminology, or literary techniques like metaphors or similes. Try to make your papers short but to the point, with every sentence being relevant. One way to judge this is to ask yourself whether each sentence you write has a fact. If it doesn’t, consider cutting it out.
In terms of substance, I recommend not only using internet data, but also books, magazine articles (from Time, Newsweek, The Economist, etc.), and newspaper articles (BBC has a lot of information about the EU) on the topics. A good idea would be to look up articles on these issues from the leading newspapers in your individual nations, provided that they can be converted into English. The best paper will cite from a variety of sources and types of sources.
I advise you all to check out the research page of the EU blog (found on the right-hand side) to help you with your research. Check it often as it will be updated regularly.
-Danielle
Delegates,
Position papers for the EU follow a similar format to standard position papers. Remember, you all will be representing your heads of state at the EU Council meeting this March, so you should have the best and most current information about your countries’ stance on the topic.
First, outline a general overview about your countries’ stance on having a European Constitution, including its past actions regarding this matter. Then give your countries’ policy on the three sub-topics that will be addressed in the Constitution - security, environment, and enlargement. Make sure to give background information as well as current country policy.
While the paper does not require any section be on the history of the European Union, I recommend that you familiarize yourself with that information. You all should know how, why, and when the EU was founded, the issues it has faced in the past, as well as your own nations’ attitudes towards the EU. Some of this will be encompassed in your paper (especially the section on the European Constitution), but not all.
That’s it for now. Remember, to be eligible for research awards, your papers must be postmarked by Feb. 1, and to be eligible for general awards, they must be postmarked by March 1. I will not make exceptions to this rule - do not hand in your paper to me on the day of the conference. Also, no paper submissions will be accepted by e-mail.
-Danielle
Delegates -
My name is Danielle Serbin, and I am Head Chair of the European Union. In the upcoming weeks, I will update this blog with pertinent information concerning our topics, how committee will be run, and other important updates, so please check the blog often.
I also want to get a list-serve going of our committee so that I can e-mail all of you when I update the blog, so if you could send me an e-mail with the header “BMUN EU” to danielleserbin AT berkeley.edu, that would be great.
I am very excited to get to see you all in March.
-Danielle