Innovative Approach to Classical Studies - Reacting to the Past Case Study

FOCUS ON TEACHING AND LEARNING OPENING SESSION Innovative and Experiential Pedagogy in Classical Studies

Case Study: Reacting to the Past Hones public speaking, application of sources, teamwork, writing, negotiation skills Role-playing game utilized in an introductory History course at previous institution (Democracy and Difference: The Ancient Athenian Experiment) Games available for all sorts of time periods and issues https://reacting.barnard.edu/games (https://reacting.barnard.edu/games) Games deal with societal issues such as voting rights, payment for public service, religious controversies etc Used very successfully online using Zoom and Slack Concluded with reflective portfolio

Each student received a Zoom background customized to their faction/role

Reacting to the Past Portfolio Rubrics Assignments: 1)During the course of the game, you will be required to give two speeches (the sessions in which these are given are on your role sheet). After you give the speech in class, you should send your speech to your TA. You should also be taking notes on your speech as the class session goes by, so that you can make changes to it for the final portfolio. Guidelines for the speeches are below. 2)Part of your portfolio will be copies of the two speeches, but with sections, demarcated with bold lettering or a different color, that show what you *wish* you had said during the speech. This can include extra evidence, a rebuttal to a point made in class, etc (that means that your portfolio paper can reflect reactions to gameplay etc). You should take notes on these during class so that you can easily add them in later. The speeches should also read as formal speeches, but don t just stare at a page when you are talking! These will be no longer than 2 pages a piece. a.All pieces of the portfolio will be in TNR, double-spaced, 12-point font, with normal (1-inch) margins 3)The second part of your portfolio will be a reflection paper based on your experience in the game. This will be a 4-page paper, that answers these questions: a.Do you feel that you fulfilled your victory objectives during the game? Why or why not? b.How do you feel that you could have better utilized the indeterminates or the other members in your faction to your advantage during game play? c.What turn of events surprised you the most during game play? d.Why do you think the game had the outcome that it did? 4)This portfolio and your participation in gameplay will total 35% of your grade. How will this break down? a.Participation (65 points): i.Speeches in class (30 points. You will give at least two, but you are not limited to those two sessions; you can speak anytime you want within the rules the herald sets forth for the day) ii.Collaboration with your faction iii.Engagement in gameplay on every session iv.Being prepared and having your book and sources available to you during every class. You can also (and are encouraged to) do outside research to support your character. b.Speeches in portfolio (30 points) i.Are revised, show thought as to examples from the gamebook and reflections on the trajectory of gameplay ii.Are organized and effective within the bounds of oratory iii.Show understanding of the historical context and the character s role in it c.Final paper in portfolio (45 points) i.Answers the questions with reference to gameplay in a clear and legible way d.5 extra points will be added to your final grade if your character achieves its victory objectives. Speech Guidelines: Your speeches in class will be graded on these five guidelines (3 points for each sub-section. Each speech is worth 15 points): 1)Effective and thoughtful use of sources. You MUST do research and bring in sources for your speeches. Do NOT just repeat your role sheets! 2)Maintaining the perspective of your character 3)Making a clear argument 4)Making an effective argument 5)Giving a convincing and lively oral performance