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PSC Model Illinois Government

PSC Model Illinois Government

Model Illinois Government/MOOT Court is a great opportunity for PSC students to benefit from an experiential education opportunity through participation in a structured, intercollegiate legislative simulation.

MODEL ILLINOIS GOVERNMENT
Model Illinois Government is a structured student role-playing legislative simulation. Undergraduate students may participate by assuming various role-playing various legislative positions. These positions include: legislators, executive officers, lobbyists, journalists, budget analysts, and all party leadership positions.  Students role-playing legislators are assigned a political party and districts and are placed in legislative committees. Delegation awards and individual awards are given based on performance during the simulation. 

MOOT Court Competition
Held concurrently with Model Illinois Government, a Moot Court competition also takes place. Teams of attorneys argue before a panel of student justices and legal professionals and are scored based on presentation and knowledge of the case fact. Individual and team awards are presented at the end of the simulation, and students may also campaign for Executive Board positions (Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Comptroller, etc.) to take a more active role in the organization of the simulation.

If interested in participating in Model Illinois Government (MIG) or MOOT Court, please email Professor Schott: aschott@prairiestate.edu or stop by Office 2165.

Those who join the Model Illinois Government/MOOT Court team will attend the annual statewide government simulation/MOOT Court competition held in Springfield, Illinois during the spring semester.

****You do not need to be a Political Science major to participate in Model Illinois Government or MOOT Court.****

You can participate without enrolling in POLSC 260. However, if you would like course credit for participating, you can enroll in POLSC 260. POLSC 260 is a 2 credit hour course.

Course Description:
POLSC 260 Model Illinois Government 2 credits
Students prepare for the annual Model Illinois Government (MIG)/MOOT Court held at the state capital. MIG is an experiential learning experience at which students role-play legislators, lobbyists, journalists, constitutional officers, and legislative staff while learning parliamentary procedure, bill analysis, policy research, drafting legislation and debate. Students enrolled in this course are automatically part of the MIG team. (2 lecture hours) Prerequisite: Placement into Eng 099 or higher.

COURSE OPPORTUNITIES
To provide students an experiential learning opportunity rooted in state and local government
To introduce students to the practical complexities of state government
To familiarize students with the history and development of legislatures
To expose students to the process of original research utilizing original source materials
To provide students with the opportunity to conduct comparative in-depth research on policy
enacted or proposed by other states
To introduce students to formal debate and expression - both oral and written
To promote critical thought via problem solving exercises and teamwork
To provide an opportunity for students to interact with their peers from other institutions in an academic context.
To provide students a positive avenue to embrace civic responsibility

COURSE OUTCOMES
Demonstrate working knowledge of the history and development of state legislatures
Demonstrate mastery of Robert Rules of Order.
Conduct original policy research and draft legislation
Problem solve in real-world situations in small and larger group contexts,
Display in depth knowledge of all legislation in the student’s assigned role
Show evidence of teamwork and team leadership
Present complex information and policy proposals in written and oral format,
Participate in both large and small group simulations

TITLE IX CONCERNS at Model Illinois Government
Sexual harassment or discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, or disability is not acceptable. Such acts are incompatible with Model Illinois Government educational mission and are a violation of our Conduct Expectations. Violators may be expelled from the conference without compensation. General descriptions of behavior that may be considered sexual harassment can be found at: https://prairiestate.edu/student-services/health-and-safety/title9/index.aspx

Anyone who believes they have seen or encountered sexual harassment or discrimination should bring it to the TitleIX Coordinator's attention. We will investigate the merits of the allegations and respond appropriately. Outcomes may include taking no action, issuing a verbal reprimand, separating individuals from the conference, or any other action deemed appropriate. 

https://prairiestate.edu/student-services/health-and-safety/title9/index.aspx