Atlantinha

 

Fictional island nation Atlantinha needs a new constitution.

Students read background information on Atlantinha and articles on institutional design before class.  During section, the instructor divides them into two or three discussion groups, and the students debate among themselves what sort of institutions would be best, as if they were international consultants or NGOs. At the end of class, everyone comes back together for a short plenary and a final vote.  The most difficult concept that week is the most obvious solution (consociationalism).  This activity forces students to talk through that possibility.  

For the detailed background handout on Atlantinha, see the document below.

fact sheet.pdf175 KB