John Nelson
Moderate Democrat
February 28, 2007

The Reacting Class is a very fun experience, and it is also an effective way to motivate me to really learn about ancient history. I am glad that I decided to sign up for this class, because this class is likely the only course that I will ever take where I can say that women are not fit to be educated and not get slapped! I feel that the class blog is a very effective tool to be caught up on what is going on both in and out of class.
The last three or four sessions of class were definitely the most exciting and informative. The trial of Socrates and the proposals of the Rich Athlete and the Oligarchs made the game come alive for me. I did not trust anyone in the game, and I was convinced that some type of military overthrow had to occur, which actually came to fruition.
Although the paranoia and the politics of the game are enjoyable, there are things that I did not particularly like. I did not enjoy the extensive amount of research that went into each session, but I realize that the research is necessary for me to accurately legislate as they did in antiquity. I also did not like the hours of group meetings, but again it is vital that the factions are always on the same page to be effective in the Assembly.
Before I go into my performance in the game, I would like to say that my faction member Juliana plays the game better than anyone else, and she makes my performance in the game better because she is so involved and effective. There are two main components in the game: what goes on inside the classroom and what goes on outside the classroom. While Juliana excels in both aspects, the classroom setting is a much more challenging area for me.
To excel in the classroom setting of the Reacting Class, one has to be able to think well on his or her feet, clearly express his or her ideas in a persuasive manner, and not be afraid to speak in public. I gave my share of speeches and proposed several laws, but I only argued my cause once or twice. I definitely could have been more challenging and outspoken to other teams’ proposals as well. Hours after class I would think up good questions and arguments, but I could never get comfortable articulating my debates.
On the other hand, I think I did well in the work done outside class. Our faction met once a week and we also met with the Radical Democrats once or twice a week. We did a lot of brainstorming and scheming on actions and precautions for the game. I did a lot of research both for the paper topics and for the general purposes of the Assembly. I met with some of the Indeterminates and members of the opposing factions in order to see what they thought about the different proposals set forth in class. There was a lot of politicking done outside of the classroom’s walls as well. The proceedings of the Assembly were never over my head, and I feel I had a good handle about what was going on both inside and outside the class. I also made sure to check the blog regularly so I knew what was happening or what was about to happen. All in all I would say that I was very involved, but I need to step it up inside the classroom.
The Reacting Class for the Athens game was a very enlightening experience. I learned a great deal about ancient Athens, which I do not think would be the case if I took a regular lecture course. I wish that the events of the game could have faired better for my faction, but it is interesting, to say the least, to see a military coup by the Oligarchs and a Spartan invasion.