Gaming Democracy: Origins

Catalog description

This course focuses on key historical events that have shaped how we understand the essential principles of democracy. Students will explore the theme of democratic foundations through two Reacting to the Past games that take place in the ancient world and the beginning of the modern age. The first game is set in the Greek city-state of Athens in 403 BCE. As Athenian citizens debate the strengths and weaknesses of democracy, they must grapple with alternative political systems, the meaning of political justice, and the role of imperialism, gender, and class in their society. The second game is set in France during the democratic revolution of 1789. Revolutionaries in both the parliament and on the streets must struggle to create a constitution amidst internal chaos and threats of foreign invasion. They grapple with how ideologically polarized political parties, religious minorities, women, and enslaved persons should be included in this new democratic society. Through this award-winning pedagogy, students engage in a deep investigation of the past and gain a greater understanding of the present.