Simulation Format
The simulation runs for approximately three weeks. After an initial training session, a roleprofile is prepared by each team and placed online. The simulation begins with the release of a simulation scenario (though your actions should not be limited to the scenario) and finishes with a teleconference involving all participants. You are marked on your roleprofile, the quality and quantity of your messages, and your teleconference performance. During the simulation all email is marked, but online chats, diary entries, etc are neither monitored nor marked.
Please familiarise yourself with the following information, which details the various stages in a simulation. These pages give advice on every area of the simulation, outlining how to write a profile and how to actual "play" a simulation, as well as more considered strategies that allow you to maximise your potential (and your marks):
Choosing a Role
Due to the turbulent nature of Middle East politics, the choice of roles available in each simulation varies. A list of relevant roles is generated before the simulation begins, and these are divided between participating universities. The division is such that each group will generally have a choice of leaders and functionaries, spies and statesmen, soldiers and peacemakers. Students are then able to sign-up for a role, usually there are places for up to three students in each team.
Students are free to choose a role (subject to availability) but we'd like you to consider the following suggestions. You may not be familiar with all the roles available, so do a bit of research and see which characters may interest you. Remember that each person also represents a position and usually an organisation which you will also be representing. Not every character has the same prestige or influence, but you are marked on maximise your particular role so don't assume bigger is better. There are, overall, no better or worse teams in the game, each person has advantages and disadvantages which you should take into account (and roleplay). Larger roles (like the US President) will be challenged by a large volume of mail and many issues to co-ordinate so be prepared to devote alot of work to simpy getting on top of your in-tray. Smaller roles have to work hard to attract attention in the first place, so getting started takes more application and dedication.
Above all, it is recommended you choose a role that will challenge you. If your background is Palestinian, considering playing an Israeli role; if you are a Zionist, try stepping into the shoes of HAMAS. The challenge then is to immerse yourself into that role and ideology so that you play a complex, multidimensional character. A common mistake is to play out a dull stereotype of a person, which only demonstrates that you're not prepared to really step into the shoes of your role, to think the way they do, and to believe - no matter what you might believe - that what they are doing is right and necessary.
More of this is discussed in the other pages available, so read them carefully.