Lakehead University Political Science Students Gain Exposure to World Politics

(Thunder Bay - January 21, 2004) Afew Lakehead University Political Science students are getting a chance to learn first-hand what it's like in the world of politics during a trip to McGill University this week.

Eleven first-year students will be taking part in the McGill Model United Nations Assembly (McMUN), while eight students will be enjoying a lively time as part of the McGill Debating Union Winter Carnival.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for these students," says Dr. Doug West, the students' coach and Chair of the Political Science Department at Lakehead. "Taking part in activities like these gives the students a chance to apply what they're learning and develop new skills at the same time."

The McGill Debating Union Winter Carnival will consist of six rounds of Canadian parliamentary debate, breaking to quarters, and three public speaking rounds, breaking to finals. The Lakehead team is one of 80 teams at this event.

The McMUN, which attracts over 1,200 delegates, will submerge the students into the world of the United Nations representing Samoa and Nicaragua. McMUN 2004 will offer delegates eighteen committee simulations ranging from traditional UN bodies such as the third committee of the General Assembly, UNICEF, and the Security Council as well as simulations of less common international bodies such as the Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, the International Labour Organization, and the European Intergovernmental Conference.

Dr. West is available for interview today and tomorrow. He leaves with the students on Thursday morning. Please call Dr. West directly at 343-8304.