Games and simulations are increasingly used in courses on international politics. This study explores the hypothesis that games are better than simulations (as well as only reading and lectures) in introducing students to abstract concepts integral to an understanding of world politics. The study compares a two-level Prisoner's Dilemma game…

To understand world politics, one must appreciate the context in which international systems develop and operate. Pedagogy studies demonstrate that the more active students are in their learning, the more they learn. As such, using computer simulations can complement and enhance classroom instruction. CIVILIZATION is a computer simulation game…

This paper explains how to conduct a SALT simulation with upper division undergraduate and/or graduate students who have a limited background in international relations. Playing time is approximately four weeks. It is suggested that an introductory course devoted to reading, lectures, and discussions precede the simulation. (Author/RM)

This ERIC Digest discusses issues relating to teaching about U.S. foreign policy in the changing international environment following the end of the Cold War era and the disintegration of the Soviet Union. The document treats: (1) the need and rationale for teaching and learning about current foreign policy issues; (2) main themes in foreign policy…

This booklet is a comparative analysis of how six high school history textbooks present events and issues related to the Cold War. The texts are "History of a Free People" (Macmillan, 1973), "Rise of the American Nation" (Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, 1977), "The American Experience" (Addison-Wesley, 1975), "A New…

Classroom activities for examining effects of war and contemplating world peace are derived from the story of Sadako, a Japanese girl who died as a result of atomic bomb radiation. Making paper cranes, as Sadako did, and participating in schoolwide programs are suggested for primary, middle, and upper grades. (SLD)

A simulation designed for an introductory college-level international politics and comparative foreign policy course is described. Regional Crisis requires student decision-maker diplomats, grouped in teams, to respond to a Middle Eastern crisis that has substantial potential for escalation. In response to an initial crisis scenario, student teams…

Describes a classroom simulation that has students role play membership in the United Nations. Students are assigned countries and through research and debate learn that country's position on international issues. The culminating activity has students participate in a mock United Nations Assembly vote. Argues that this method encourages students…

Global education emphasizes interconnectedness and interdependence of various peoples and cultures around the world. Global economics, a subset of global education, involves international trade, international progress, international finance and financial organizations, development, progress, comparative economic systems, multinational…

Calls for more and better teaching about the Vietnam War in secondary schools and colleges. Offers approaches to teaching about the War and presents questions designed to stimulate students' thinking. Describes the use of simulations. States that the discussion of controversial issues makes class more stimulating for both student and teacher. (KO)

Procedures for the operation of the Political-Military Exercise (PME) are detailed in this handbook as a means of involving political science students in the actual dynamics of international policy-making decisions through the PME game experience. Two basic designs for operating the simulation exercise are presented with a discussion of the format…

Presents a high school lesson plan on the struggle over ratification of the Treaty of Versailles and U.S. participation in the League of Nations. Includes a timeline of events, four primary source documents, and biographical portraits of two opposing senators. Provides student objectives and step-by-step instructional procedures. (CFR)

This is the third of seven resource units for a twelfth grade course on value conflicts and policy decisions. The topic for this unit is the underdeveloped countries. The objectives are listed as to generalizations, skills, and values. The double-page format relates objectives to pertinent content, teaching procedures, and instructional materials.…

These newsletters are a regular feature of the edition of the Progress Report sent to teachers, and further, supplement the World Law Fund's catalog of publications. Issues provide teachers with professional information on materials and techniques for teaching about world order. Typical inclusions present sample lesson plans and unit descriptions,…