Unrest in Bahrain in 2014 (UNSC)

Assessment

Case Assessment

What is the situation in Bahrain as presented in this case, how could it threaten international peace and stability?
Why are the Bahraini activists dissatisfied with the al-Khalifa regime and what are their demands?
How has the Bahraini government responded to popular unrest? What have been the consequences of the government’s actions?
What are the permanent members of the UN Security Council’s interests in Bahrain that could deter UN Security Council intervention? How can the individual interests of permanent members lead to UN Security Council inaction?

UNSC Assessment

What are the six organs of the United Nations system? What are their responsibilities?
How is the UN Security Council structured? How are Security Council decisions made?
What are the two categories of tools that the UN Security Council has at its disposal to implement its decisions, and what are the range of specific tools available in each?
What is the difference between a Chapter VI peacekeeping mission and a Chapter VII peace enforcement mission?
What are the main challenges and limitations that the UN Security Council faces as it carries out its work? What solutions have been proposed to address these challenges?

Writing Assignments

Each CFR Education simulation involves writing assignments that help students think through policy options and reflect on their learning experience.

In UNSC cases, there are two types of writing assignments.

Before the role-play, everyone writes draft clauses for a Security Council resolution.
As part of the wrap-up, everyone writes a written reflection.

Simulations have instructions for written assignments (found under the Student Facing Simulation), rubrics, and samples for each of these writing exercises.

Samples:

Rubric

Below are sample rubrics for your use in assessing the writing students will do as part of this simulation.

These are single-point rubrics. Jennifer Gonzalez, who writes the blog Cult of Pedagogy, has a great explainer, but the bottom line is that single-point rubrics are relatively easy for students to digest but still have all the advantages of giving structure to instructors’ feedback.

UN Security Council Draft Clauses Rubric

CONCERNS What needs improvement	CRITERIA What is expected	ADVANCED What is excellent
	Purpose There are two to three preambular and three to four operative clauses Clauses are properly formatted and styled
	Preambular clauses Accurately identify relevant prior agreements and existing organizations
	Operative clauses Are practical and within the UN Security Council’s powers Address who Address what Address when Address where Address why Address how Address funding

UN Security Council Written Reflection Rubric

CONCERNS What needs improvement	CRITERIA What is expected	ADVANCED What is excellent
	Subject paragraph Is brief Places the issue in the larger context of U.S. foreign policy Clearly states whether the writer agrees or disagrees with the president’s decision
	Options and Analysis paragraph Discusses each option that came up during the role-play in discrete paragraphs Weighs the advantages and disadvantages of each option If options from the position memo are discussed, those options contain additional analysis
	Recommendation and Justification paragraph Makes a clear recommendation based on the writer’s personal position Supports the recommendation effectively
	Reflection paragraph or paragraphs Reflects on and critiques the Security Council’s decision Is written from a personal point of view, not that of the assigned role

Downloadable rubrics are available here: