Conquer the Digital Age

Experience-based learning is at the heart of this course, primarily facilitated through the iWars contest. In this seminar, students aren't limited to just theoretical learning; they have the opportunity to put their knowledge into practical application.
The iWars contest incorporates key Political Science concepts such as Rules of Engagement and Laws of War into its gameplay. Students must adhere to these principles while participating in the competition. This experience teaches them the importance of rule-following and how specific regulations can impact their progress within the game. Additionally, students can apply the cyber-attack and defense mechanisms they've learned during lectures within the contest.
Moreover, students are encouraged to explore beyond the classroom curriculum. They have the freedom to experiment with cyber-attack and defense strategies not covered in class, fostering an environment of self-directed learning.
The iWars competition also features specialized accounts modeled after international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), World Bank (WB), and International Court of Justice (ICJ). Elections are held for students interested in managing these accounts.
Weekly discussions within the class revolve around violations of Rules of Engagement and Laws of War, which students submit to the ICJ account. Violators have the opportunity to explain their actions, and the UN members, including students, cast their votes on a resolution. Additionally, students can apply for loans from the WB and devise repayment plans. They can even appeal to the ICJ for amendments to the Rules of Engagement and Laws of War.
These activities offer students hands-on experiences in both Cybersecurity and Political Science within the immersive gaming environment of iWars. It's an approach that enhances their understanding of these subjects by allowing them to actively participate and apply their knowledge.

iWars immerses students in a dynamic, real-world simulation of international relations. Through active participation in the contest, students engage with intricate political, economic, and security challenges, mirroring the complexity of global problems. This hands-on experience fosters a deeper understanding of the multifaceted issues our world faces.
Through in-game discussions, similar to Model United Nations sessions, students learn the art of diplomacy and negotiation. They formulate rules, laws, and agreements, honing their skills in consensus-building and conflict resolution. These exercises also enhance students' communication and public speaking skills, essential for effective global leadership.
The competitive nature of the iWars contest encourages students to think critically and innovatively. They must devise strategies to maximize their wealth, all while navigating an underlying cybersecurity infrastructure where cyber-attacks can originate from any competitor at any time. Thus, students not only prepare against the strategies employed by other players but also equip themselves to defend against cyberattacks, fostering critical thinking.
In summary, this course immerses students in diverse real-world situations, fosters communication skills, blends political science and cybersecurity lectures with practical application, and equips students to think beyond traditional boundaries and tackle global issues effectively. This aligns perfectly with the UHP's vision of developing global citizen scholars prepared to lead innovative efforts in addressing the world's most pressing and intricate challenges.