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Hello Delegates!

I hope that you have all begun your research for the paper.  To be eligible for a research award, your papers must be sent in before February 1^st; however, you will still be eligible for committee awards as long as you get your papers in before March 1^st.  That should be enough time to compile a good amount of research to compose a beautiful paper for me to read (yes, I do expect beautiful papers out of you people because I am confident you are all amazing). There are certain criteria that my vice chairs and I will be using when grading your papers.  The following is a list of what I want to see in your papers:

1) It is often a question with delegates whether they should separate their research paper into sections or not.  Please separate your papers into three different sections, as it is much easier for me to read: Background of the Topic, Past UN Action, and Delegation Policy and Solutions.  You should invest much thought and time especially in the last section because it is the most important part (good preparation will be a major help to you in committee). 

2)  Your paper should be about six pages long, allowing about three pages per topic.  A bit longer or shorter is not a problem, but I do not want a paragraph, nor do I want tomes.  You be the judge, but remember that the best papers are clear and concise.  And, of course, double space. 

3) Two of your sources should be books.  Please do not use Wikipedia as the source of your information, although I do not mind the use of Wikipedia when you wish to familiarize yourself with the topics initially. 

4)  I know that the delegate guide mentions using endnotes, but I much prefer footnotes, so please use footnotes when citing sources in your papers.  I realize that you may have never used footnotes, but there are many cites online that can help you; look up the Turabian, or Chicago, style as this is the format I want you all to follow.  Knowing how to write a research paper with footnotes will definitely help you out in college (besides, it looks much more professional).   

5) A few words about plagiarism: Don’t do it.

6) For all other guidelines about the paper, you can look at the Delegate Guide. I realize that these rules may be a bit tougher than other committees, but it is my belief that anyone who is willing to partake in this committee is up for the challenge.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I want you all to do well both on your papers and in committee, and it would be my pleasure to help you.  I look forward to reading excellent research papers from the most brilliant of students!

Best,

Farnoosh

Before all else I would like to welcome each and every one of you to BMUN 56.  I, Farnoosh Mahdavi, will be your head chair for Historical Security Council.  I am so excited for the conference to see what each of you will bring to the table. I anticipate an intellectual group and, consequently, stimulating debate.   

Let me tell you a bit about myself.  It is my third year here at Berkeley, where I study the art of rhetoric and philosophy.  My interests include good books, good music, good films, good people, and dark chocolate.   Up until the conference, I will update this blog regularly with information that is important for you all to know.  We will be focusing our discussion in the context of the year 1982, and the topics are the Iran-Iraq War and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.  Be sure to read the topic synopsis and start your papers ahead of time so you have time for really great research (I hope this is not wishful thinking). 

Post on the blog, as it would be more interesting and fun for all of you to be familiar with each other before the conference.  You can also reach me via email.  My vice chairs and I look forward to meeting you in March.  Happy researching and good luck to you all! 

Pax vobiscum,   Farnoosh Mahdavi