Arming the Canon: Reviving the Foundation of International Relations through Games

16 Pages Posted: 7 Feb 2013

See all articles by Amanda Rosen

Amanda Rosen

Webster University

Nina A. Kollars

Ohio State University (OSU); College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John's University (SJU)

Date Written: February 8, 2013

Abstract

This paper attempts to add a layer of conceptual clarity to the study of simulations and games in international relations by classifying simulations and games according to their unit of analysis and the number of sources they attempt to incorporate. We present this classification and note the advantages and disadvantages of such a model with particular attention paid to the potential misuses of topic-based and multi-source games. We introduce a new unit of analysis, the question- or problem-based approach, and offer a new game to illustrate the potential benefits of such an approach. Ultimately we conclude that a large part of the answer to whether or not simulations are effective in advancing learning may depends on how a particular game is framed and executed.

Keywords: simulations, simulation design, games, international relations

Suggested Citation

Rosen, Amanda and Kollars, Nina A. and Kollars, Nina A., Arming the Canon: Reviving the Foundation of International Relations through Games (February 8, 2013). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2213035 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2213035

Amanda Rosen (Contact Author)

Webster University ( email )

470 E. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119
United States

Nina A. Kollars

Ohio State University (OSU) ( email )

Blankenship Hall-2010
901 Woody Hayes Drive
Columbus, OH OH 43210
United States

College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John's University (SJU) ( email )

P.O. Box 2000
St. Joseph and Collegeville, MN 56321
United States

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