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Connecting Students to Politics through a Multi-Class Campaign Simulation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2007

Mack D. Mariani
Mack D. Mariani
Affiliation:
Xavier University
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Extract

Simulations are an important complement to a traditional political science education in that they can promote active learning and enhance student understanding of course material. Simulations can also provide students with the opportunity to learn and develop important research, writing, public speaking, and analysis skills. This essay describes a multi-class campaign simulation of my own design that was run in two upper-level government courses during the spring of 2006 at Hamilton College. This simulation is designed to promote student engagement in political ideas and concepts from the varied perspectives of candidates, campaign staff, parties, the media, and voters. At the same time, the simulation also helps students develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a political campaign, legislative office, or other professional political environments.I wish to thank Sharon Waring Rivera and Brian S. Glenn for providing helpful comments on earlier versions of this paper.

Type
THE TEACHER
Information
PS: Political Science & Politics , Volume 40 , Issue 4 , October 2007 , pp. 789 - 794
Copyright
© 2007 The American Political Science Association

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