Course Description:
This course immerses participants in the preparation, negotiation, and execution of high-level bilateral summits. Students will simulate leader-to-leader meetings between heads of state or senior officials, managing protocols, agenda setting, and outcomes. The course focuses on diplomatic choreography, strategic messaging, and bilateral deliverables in a highly structured and politically sensitive environment.
Course Length:
6 weeks (36 total instructional hours)
Proficiency Level:
Advanced
Prerequisite:
Completion of a lower-intermediate ESL course or equivalent language proficiency
Course Objectives:
- Understand the structure and function of high-level bilateral summits.
- Design summit agendas that balance political priorities and protocol.
- Apply negotiation strategies in formal, top-level meetings.
- Develop policy memos, talking points, and communiqués.
- Coordinate logistics, media, and delegation alignment.
- Lead or support summit simulations from pre-brief to closing statement.
- Manage sensitive issues while preserving diplomatic relationships.
- Deliver strong opening remarks and manage joint press conferences.
- Simulate behind-the-scenes problem-solving during official talks.
- Produce summit outcome documents with action plans and agreed statements.