All the World's a Stage

Simulations bring the drama of politics to life in the classroom and vividly enrich traditional learning by plunging student actors, playing specific roles, into the midst of historical or current events. Employing the analogy of a theatrical production, Ben-Yehuda demystifies the simulation encounter by clearly describing the purposes and processes of role-playing, letting students know what to expect and how to prepare, and giving them and their instructors the resources and...
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Simulations bring the drama of politics to life in the classroom and vividly enrich traditional learning by plunging student actors, playing specific roles, into the midst of historical or current events. Employing the analogy of a theatrical production, Ben-Yehuda demystifies the simulation encounter by clearly describing the purposes and processes of role-playing, letting students know what to expect and how to prepare, and giving them and their instructors the resources and confidence with which to embark upon a careful enactment of a scenario central to their course of study. Three in-depth case studies take students to faraway locations and different times: from appeasement in Munich in 1938, through the regional turmoil following the 1947 UN decision to partition Palestine, to the Syrian Civil War 2011 and the global confrontation with ISIS from 2016 on. Replete with examples of diplomatic exchanges, documents, behind-the-scenes insights, sources, humorous anecdotes and tips and tricks, the book provides an accessible and useful guide for students and instructors alike. Well-prepared and well-played, a successful simulation incites enthusiasm and excitement in the participants, who will remember the experience - and the subject matter - long after the lights dim and the curtain falls.