School of Arts

Model of United Nations

Every spring, Manhattan College students have the opportunity to participate in the National Model United Nations Conference in New York City. This hands-on, participatory experience enables students to acquire expertise on a particular country, which they represent at the five-day conference, which is held the week before Easter.

The National Model United Nations offers a unique opportunity for students to better understand the inner workings of the United Nations and other international organizations while building skills in diplomacy and compromise. The 2005 simulation saw more than 3,000 college students and faculty from all over the world work feverishly to propose resolutions that addressed issues surrounding regional conflicts, peacekeeping, human rights, women and children, economic and social development and the environment. By providing a diverse group of informed participants a forum in which to discuss global concerns in a context which closely parallels the "real world," the NMUN conference acts as one of the most effective tools for teaching students the dynamics of multilateral diplomacy and international relations.

Specialized courses

Several of these specialized courses are

• "Research in Psychology" gives upper-level students the opportunity to work with faculty on individual research projects with the possibility of presenting research results at regional and national conferences
• "Urban America: Crisis and Opportunity"—service-learning course that allows students to study issues related to cities in conjunction with Bronx-based community organizations.
• "Theater in the City"--students read, attend, and critique several current plays on and off Broadway
• "Religious Faith and the Arts"--an exploration of the physical and symbolic expressions of faith in churches, works of art and music
• "Architecture of Power"--a study of neighborhood demographics and the symbolic political significance of buildings and structures.
• "The New York Skyscraper"—an on-site study of the art of planning and building with New York's great architectural masterpieces as laboratory.
• "Asian Religions and the Arts"—an introduction to the great Asian religions through the study of Asian religious art and architecture in New York City
• These courses take advantage of Manhattan’s location, using the city as an expanded classroom.

Branigan Fellowships

The aim of this program is to promote undergraduate research in the humanities by awarding several grants per year in excess of  $3000 each for student-initiated projects. Each Branigan Scholar works closely with a Manhattan College faculty member, who serves as advisor. The Branigan Grants foster the Manhattan College tradition of strengthening humanities education through the development of students' scholarly interests and goals in close collaboration with members of the faculty.

Fellowships Committee

The Committee works with students and alumni to encourage graduate study and help work through the sometimes challenging application processes.

Pre-Law Advisory Committee

The Committee works with students interested in pursuing law.

Study Abroad

There are several study abroad options open to students.  Students can choice to study abroad for a semester, an academic year, a month long summer program or a seven week Mexico City Summer Program.

Manhattan College welcomes the opportunity to help our students arrange to study abroad in any country that is safe and not listed on the website of the U.S. Department of State ( http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html)