IR6010 - War Games- Negotiating Security through Simulations

This module is very interactive in its nature. You will learn through lectures, interactive seminars, and independent learning. The sessions will give students the basic tools to proceed with their work later on during the semester and the simulation exercises. Private study is introduced in order to support students’ work and help in the individual preparation to the assignments. You will be encouraged to explore the selected topics more in-depth, and to perfect your negotiations skills, public speaking, and networking.
Each simulation session will be concluded by a debriefing session where we will reflect on the experience of the simulation, namely on the objectives that students managed to realise and voice, the objectives that they did not manage to achieve, the obstacles that prevented achievement, and what they would improve upon. Your learning will also be supported by the electronic learning platform (eLP) Blackboard Ultra and electronic reading lists. You will receive formative feedback during lectures and seminars, and also summative feedback that will assist you in improving future work in response to your assignment.

Given the dynamic nature of this module and its heavy reliance on simulations, the feedback provided to students reflects the different activities included in class, namely personal research on assigned role and capacity to negotiate. On this basis, the lecturers will offer electronic feedback on the submitted written work. The Turnitin system will ensure that the feedback is readily available and that the delivery method is uniform across all students. Feedback will also be offered orally in relation to simulation performance, both by the lecturers and by fellow students. In addition, you will have access to the e-learning portal with a dedicated internet site to support this module. The site will include electronic copies of module and lecture materials, further reading materials, important module announcements, tutor advice/ guidance and further internet links. Tutorial time will be available to all students (on 1 to 1 basis) during staff ‘office hours’ or upon appointment with a module tutor. These tutorials will help you advance your learning on a one-to-one basis by supporting both your learning of skills and the development of your specific interests in the subject.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Critically analyse the context within which political leaders identify, assess and manage risk and develop policy to address risk
• Evaluate the role of international and national institutions in the development and implementation of security-related strategies & policies

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Prepare and practice the negotiation skills necessary to participate in decision-making simulations (diplomatic and negotiation skills, including capacity to construct reasoned arguments, in a multi- national context);
• Gathering, organisation and deployment of substantial and complex information and evidence, through autonomous research, on international organisations and policies.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Appreciate the diversity in negotiation and diplomatic practices in different regions

Group assessment (50% of the final grade)
1- A position paper of an assigned actor (750 words) 25% of the grade for this assessment
2- A strategy paper (750 words) 25% of the grade for this assessment
3- Negotiation simulation (2 hour exercise) 50% of the grade for this assessment

Individual assessment (50% of the final grade)
1- Reflection diary on the development of position and strategy papers and on the simulation performance (1,500 words).

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War Games is a cutting-edge module where students learn the art of negotiation and diplomacy through simulations. Throughout the semester, students experience what it is like to play a world leader with the capacity to change the lives of countless people. By analysing the role of international negotiations and their interactions at the negotiation table and by creating negotiation strategies and implementing them, students acquire an invaluable skills’ set for their professional future. This module is an incredible experience where you get intensely immersed in a broad theatre that seems so real that when it finally comes to an end, it results in a greater awareness of decision-making and diplomatic challenges and a huge sense of shared achievement.