Teaching Curve 15 Victor Asal on Games, Simulations and Non-traditional Exercises in IR Pedagogy

This episode is a conversation with Victor Asal, Professor Political Science at the University at Albany, part of the State University of New York system. In addition to his research on the use of violence by non-state actors and how states discriminate against groups within their borders, Victor has long been a leading voice promoting the use of games, simulations, and non-traditional exercises in political science and international relations pedagogy. After six years of service, Victor stepped down as Editor in Chief of the Journal of Political Science Education in July 2022.  

Our conversation covers 

·      The increasing acceptance of pedagogical research in political science and international relations. 

·      Why instructors should consider games, simulations and non-traditional exercises to teach concepts and theories of global politics

·      Tried and true games and exercises from Victor’s own courses.