This week was the last week of the first semester. In class this week, we started our Athens vs. Melos negotiation role play. The class was split into four groups: Athenian Admirals, Melosian Rulers, Athenian Generals, and Melosian Generals. Each of the four groups had a confidential set of goals and strategies for the negotiation.

This Athens vs. Melos activity has proven itself to be one of my favorites activities from history class so far this year. The way the desks are set up in the classroom really sets the atmosphere for me. There are four desks facing each other in the center, enough for one representative from each of the four groups. The rest of the desks are placed behind the desks in the center for the people who are not speaking at any particular moment. It is like each of us are highly respected individuals from our own countries that have met for the sole purpose of negotiation and progress. It transforms the space from a classroom into what feels like an official space for deliberation.

I have never done a role play like this before, and the new experience is fun and engaging. It is good that as a class we were given lots of information and notes to help us prepare for the discussions. There are also clear points of view for both Athens and Melos, so there is not anyone who is indifferent about how the negotiations may go. I like it when I am at the center table and I get to voice what my group’s proposals are. Both sides play their roles well, and it is interesting how the negotiations flow. For the most part, either Athens or Melos proposes something, and the other side responds. If there is a disagreement, the side that disagrees will usually propose something more moderate than what had been originally suggested. The discussion continues in this manner until both sides reach some type of agreement about a certain issue.

It is also nice that the negotiations are formal and relaxed at the same time. The negotiations are relaxed since we know we are only playing roles, and everyone knows that we are learning as we go along. However, it also feels very formal. We have had opening statements from each of the four groups. There has also been a contract of the terms of controlling violence between Athens and Melos. As Athens and Melos groups, we often like to confer within our country’s groups, and we say something along the lines of: “We would like to request a 90 second independent caucus.” Then we vote to decide if the motion is approved, and there are other things that make the discussions feel real as well. There is definitely structure and a process to these negotiations. That helps so that we are not just making up lines on the spot.

We are going to write an essay about the usefulness of the Workable Peace Framework based on how our negotiations go as we follow the Workable Peace Framework. We noted that it may be helpful to separate identities, beliefs, interests, and emotions to examine our own country’s position in the negotiations as well as the other country’s position.