Speaker
Description
Simulations are recognized as a valued instrument in teaching practices, both in natural sciences and in social sciences, thanks to developing a large number of skills. In international studies, simulation events of different scale, e. g. Model United Nations (MUN). However, a common feature, characterizing the majority of teaching and training simulations, is the time limit. Ural Federal University (UrFU) International Relations Department was the first in Russia to introduce long-term simulation into curriculum in the framework of the course named "Diplomatic Practice". The aim of this paper is to analyse the impact of using a semester-long simulation course as an innovative teaching method in International Relations curriculum. We regard simulation as a complex of teaching techniques, allowing the students to obtain the necessary competences and to develop extensive expertise in multilateral diplomacy. The semester-long course simulation is formed by lectures and seminars, with the latter organized as simulation. The course is run entirely in English. While lectures provide the necessary theoretical background, seminars are integrated with one topic, depending on the current international situation, e. g., in autumn 2016 the topic was the United Nations discussion on the issue of Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).
