This research offers innovative ways to study fanaticism in higher education. It builds on simulations of regional crises to test four expectations and discusses their implications. The first, on the benefits of experimental learning, is supported: participants identify with their actors and show little empathy to rivals, indicating they learn the…

Professors of international relations are increasingly realizing that simulations can be a fun and effective way of teaching the complexities of the field to their students. One popular simulation that has emerged in recent years--the "Statecraft" simulation--is now used by more than 190 colleges and universities worldwide. Despite…

Students are well served by course simulations that employ active learning styles and student-driven interaction. For debate on political issues, particular public policies are quite effective in stimulating that discussion. We developed an in-class simulation of political debate on the issue of Social Security. We describe the simulation itself,…

Describes a simulation based on strategic arms limitation talks. The simulation was successfully used in a freshman-level introductory political science course to help students understand the importance of negotiating and understanding other points of view in international relations. (DB)

Describes a moot court program intended for use in college level political science courses focusing on constitutional rights and liberties. Information is presented on program planning, selecting cases, oral argument, and opinion preparation. (Author/DB)

Describes objectives and student activities of a simulated peace conference which the author has used successfully in a course on Middle East politics at the University of Maine in Orono. (AV)

Describes a legislative simulation intended for use in a college-level political science course. A major objective of the simulation is to help students understand decision-making processes involved in politics. Source materials and role characteristics are discussed. (DB)

Suggests how simulation games can help students in college level political science courses understand the role of the mass media in political processes. Uses a Simulation of the Middle East Conflict (SMEC) as an example. (Author/DB)

This article describes an undergraduate simulation that formulates Iraqi regimes following the removal of Saddam Hussein's Baathist regime. This exercise reinforces student comprehension and awareness for a range of legal and political topics--including group decision making, international law, diplomacy, and human rights--by actively engaging the…

Designed to improve undergraduate political science instruction, this monograph provides a guide to the design and use of simulations and games in the political science classroom. The book is divided into five chapters that stress the legitimate need and use of simulations and games. Chapter one outlines the background of simulations and games and…

Two approaches for teaching empirical research methods to graduate students in political science courses are evaluated. Specific objectives of the evaluation, in addition to comparing relative teaching effectiveness of the two approaches, were to explore causal dynamics between the teaching environment, user satisfaction, and learning performance.…

Provides a step-by-step process for designing effective and interesting simulations. Explains and gives examples for the four steps: defining teaching goals, constructing the simulation, running the simulation, and debriefing. Asserts that simulations develop critical thinking and other skills. Examines possible means of assessment. (MJP)