This technique was designed to encourage active engagement in course content whilst replicating professional environments students will likely face in a given profession. In POLS7540 this simulation takes the form of an international peacekeeping scenario. Before the commencement of the simulation (which ideally occurs towards the end of semester) students form small groups and construct and submit an Operation Plan detailing their assigned role within the simulation. This includes the nature, objectives, hierarchy, interests, ethos, and priorities of the organisation and/or stakeholders they are representing; as well as supplementary material such as artefacts, maps and funding requests. Students then carry out the simulation in dedicated class time, drawing of their preparatory work to actively contribute in a particular debate or discussion. After the completion of the simulation, students submit a Final Report in which they discuss the implementation of their plan throughout the entire simulation, reflect on the failures and successes of the simulation, and discuss (in relation to the literature) what the exercise has taught them about the potential and problems of the disciplinary issues discussed in the simulation.
PLEASE NOTE: The academic integrity information displayed on this page is currently under review. Some examples and descriptions were developed before the widespread availability of generative AI tools and may not reflect current approaches to assessment security. When adapting an assessment idea, staff should consider how the design supports authorship, verifies student achievement of learning outcomes, and mitigates inappropriate use of AI and other forms of academic misconduct.

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