Drama at Sea: Simulating the Dokdo-Takeshima Dispute in the Geography Classroom

Abstract

Simulations can be powerful tools in the geography classroom. Research has shown that simulations foster classroom engagement, encourage critical thinking, and help students appreciate the complexity of international geopolitical events. This role-play lesson focuses on the historic disagreement between Japan and South Korea over two volcanic islands known as Dokdo (in South Korea) and Takeshima (in Japan). Students are tasked with conducting research from the standpoint of an assigned country, drafting a position paper for control of the islands and the natural resources in the immediate vicinity, and negotiating in a fictitious United Nations conference for a fair settlement. The results demonstrate greater student interest in and understanding of political geographic concepts as a result of their participation in a lesson with a greater degree of real-world practicality.