Tyrants, Dictators and Democrats
Peacemaker assignment
Due Date: Friday, October 28 (both e-mailed and hard copy) by the start of our class
This assignment asks you to reflect on decision-making strategies as taught in the videogame Peacemaker. You may purchase and download the game for $20 at: http://www.peacemakergame.com/. Your computer also needs the freeware program Quicktime from Apple to run the video and audio parts of the game. When you purchase the game, you will receive a one-use pass-code, so you should the load the game onto a personal computer (university computers do not allow you to add software and access the programs later) that you will have access to until you have completed this assignment. Please make sure that the program will run on your computer by first downloading the demo program. See Dr. Setzler about borrowing a departmental laptop to play the simulation if you cannot get the game work on your personal computer.
You may play the game in groups of three or smaller. You need to write your own essays and keep a record of your moves invidually.
Part 1. Play the game for a minimum of two hours or until you win. You should play from the perspective of the Palestinian President. For this part of the assignment, you will submit a transcript of your game play (a step-by-step record of moves and the corresponding change in your public support level among the Palestinian and Israeli publics).
Part 2. Respond to the prompt listed below with an analytical essay that is at least 1500 words (approximately three pages) in length. Your essay should be double-spaced and use standard page margins and fonts. Please list the paper's word count. Before beginning your essay, you should carefully review the handouts on my website addressing paper grading criteria. In this case, your content grade will reflect evidence drawn from the game's development to support your argument. Your analysis grade will reflect the logic and strength of the conclusions you draw from playing the game. You do not need to provide a bibliography or any citation.
Paper Topic:
Based on your experiences playing Peacemaker from the side of the Palestinian President, what are the main factors that stand in the way of security the peace in this part of the Middle-East? Does responding to violence with violence work? What decisions create widespread support for the peace process the most? What are the most important lessons you have taken away from the game regarding the causes of conflict and successful peacemaking?