Hemda Ben-Yehuda, Luba Levin-Banchik, and Chanan Naveh offer as a model their hallmark “World Politics Simulations Project,” which involves participants representing various states, nonstate actors, and media organizations embroiled in an international political crisis. Following the trajectory of a simulation, the authors describe theory, implementation, and analysis. Starting with a typology of simulations, they present a framework for selecting the most suitable one for a given teaching situation, based on academic setting, goals, costs, and other practical considerations. They then provide step-by-step instructions for creating simulations on cyber platforms, particularly Facebook, complete with schedules, guidelines, sample forms, teaching tips, and student exercises. Throughout the simulation, and especially during the final analysis, they explain how to reinforce learning and foster critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and other essential skills. The authors conclude with suggestions for using data gathered during a simulation for scholarly research.
Instructors in both introductory and advanced courses in political science, international relations, media, history, and area studies—as well as leaders of professional training programs in the civil and military service and media organizations—will find this guide invaluable.
“The authors of this book have helped establish the critical importance of simulation methods in international relations teaching and research, and have provided a step-by-step guide to integrating this methodology with social media. By harnessing familiar social media such as Facebook with traditional international relations theory, the authors provide students with an opportunity for enhanced learning in familiar communications environments.”
—Jonathan Wilkenfeld, Professor and Director, ICONS Simulation Project, University of Maryland
“This book provides an exceptional overview to everything you want and need to know about how to use simulations in the classroom. Ben-Yehuda, Levin-Banchik, and Naveh provide a step-by-step ‘how-to’ guide with plenty of practical advice for the novice. This book will change your teaching performance and your students’ learning. I highly recommend it.”
—John A. Vasquez, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
“World Politics Simulations in a Global Information Age is a definitive work. This study offers an authoritative treatment of simulations from both pedagogical and research points of view. Theory, implementation, and analysis are blended together effectively. After reading this work, which includes a typology and meticulous instructions, you will know what type of simulation is best for your classroom or research needs. This guide contains many helpful illustrations and will be the standard guide for years to come.”
—Patrick James, University of Southern California
“. . . an engaging book that provides a broad overview of approaches to teaching global politics using simulations and serves as a useful handbook for novices and experienced users of simulations when planning and carrying out world politics simulations with students.”
—Victor Asal, Rockefeller College, University at Albany, SUNY
“. . . extremely comprehensive. The methodology for conducting simulations from start to finish is very sound and feasible . . . this book will be a valuable addition to teaching materials and resources in international studies.”
—Mary Jane Parmentier, Arizona State University
“Thanks to this clear handbook, social scientists, historians and area studies specialists will easily find or create a scenario which lends itself to a simulation exercise; students, who are quick to criticize the actions of real decision-makers, will discover just how difficult it is to manage a crisis once they assume the responsibilities of leaders, diplomats, generals and journalists. While role-playing is a proven pedagogical instrument, the genius of this book is its appropriation of social media platforms, such as Facebook, to connect students on far-flung campuses in a common simulation event. With the guidance of these highly experienced authors, both students and instructors can experience the exhilaration of marshaling allies and resources to confront a foe or deescalate a dangerous situation, making for a dynamic and long-lasting learning outcome.”
—Laurie Zittrain Eisenberg, Carnegie Mellon University
Cover: Social Collaboration by Lightworks © Veer/8281498
