Classroom Games to Teach Contemporary Political Theory

Abstract

The use of games and simulation pedagogy has proliferated across political science and international relations, yet remains fledgling in political theory. Irrespective of discipline, the benefit of games and simulations is well established. However, existing simulations in political philosophy tend to address the teaching of the history of ideas, and historical theorists, rather than contemporary political theory. In this paper, I contribute to the increasing use of classroom games in contemporary political theory. I detail two specific classroom games designed for a course at an Australian university. These games address applied issues in contemporary political theory: equality of opportunity, and the right to just remuneration. Specifically, the games are designed to teach Cohen and Swift’s respective conceptions of equality of opportunity, and Van Parijs, Walzer, and Miller on the right to just remuneration. I first set out the design and implementation of the activities, together with possible improvements for instructors. I then address the broader role of classroom games to teach political theory, before concluding by reporting on student feedback.