Emily Johnson Participates in European Union Simulation

2016 Jan 5

Emily Johnson of Landisville, Pa. recently participated in the annual simulated European Union (EU) parliamentary session in Washington, D.C. Johnson, a graduate of Hempfield High School, is pursuing a bachelor of science and bachelor of arts in digital communications and global studies at The Valley.

The EU Simulation stems from the course by the same name, which alternates between Dr. Diane Johnson, department chair and associate professor of politics, and Dr. Philip Benesch, associate professor of politics, each fall. This year, students focused on Sweden and played the roles of national ministers or members of the EU Parliament or Commission. The theme of the directive under debate was the current migration crisis in Europe, a very timely and critical issue.

Students began the fall semester by studying the history, culture, and current political environment of the country they were assigned to represent at the conference. Students also studied how the EU operates, as well as its history and current issues and tensions.

LVC joined the MAEUSC in 2009 on the recommendation of Dr. Benesch, who had experienced the program while teaching at his previous institution.

Read the full story of the students' experience in this feature article.