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Teaching Innovation in Political Science and Public Management: Simulation of the Belgian Political Process at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences

Posted by Francisco Antonio Serrano Acitores

For another year, the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences has conducted an intercampus simulation for the Political System II course in the Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Public Management. For four months, students in this course, taught on the Madrid-Vicálvaro and Fuenlabrada campuses, have had the opportunity to experience a country's entire political process. This year, Belgium was chosen as the location due to its territorial complexity and political fragmentation.

Teaching Innovation in Political Science and Public Management: Simulation of the Belgian Political Process at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences

For another year, the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences has conducted an intercampus simulation for the Political System II course in the Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Public Management. For four months, students in this course, taught on the Madrid-Vicálvaro and Fuenlabrada campuses, have had the opportunity to experience a country's entire political process. This year, Belgium was chosen as the location due to its territorial complexity and political fragmentation.

Simulation 2

 

Simulation 3

 

Under the direction of professors Mercedes Alda Fernández and Daniel Casal Oubiña, from the Department of Political Science and Administration, the Madrid-Vicálvaro groups represented Flemish political parties, while those in Fuenlabrada simulated political organizations in Wallonia and the German-speaking community. The simulation included the creation of more than 10 Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and websites for fictitious candidates and parties, the preparation and presentation of political programs and electoral campaigns, two debates on both campuses, and elections on April 24 and 25, with approximately 800 people participating (thanks to all those who participated). Voters elected representatives for Flanders (in Madrid-Vicálvaro), Wallonia (in Fuenlabrada), and the Brussels Metropolitan Region (on both campuses).

Simulation 4

Students from last year's simulation participated in moderating debates, conducting various activities, and serving on our press teams. We deeply appreciate their dedication and commitment. This commitment reflects the strong sense of belonging to the program and the continuity of practical learning.

Simulation 5

The elections were won by the group simulating the Walloon Christian Democrat party Les Engagés, with 28 seats. On the Flemish side, the leading political force was Mervood Links, a left-wing coalition of Socialists and Greens, with 20 seats. Following Belgian constitutional tradition, a negotiation process now begins, led by a Formator (Formateur), in this case from the party simulating CD&V (an ideology based on Christian Democracy). The party must present a government on May 9. This government will be subject to the vote of confidence of the students/deputies, and the debate on parliamentary confidence is scheduled to be held at the Senate, as it was last year. (Subject Instagram: @professistempol2)

Simulation 6

This activity not only fosters practical learning and a deeper understanding of political systems, but also highlights the teaching innovation at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, preparing students to face the challenges of politics and administration with a critical and global perspective.

 

I Remember 1.MOV  Authors: Valeria Farrach and María Prats


FD-TOT PARLIAMENTARY SIMULATION 1.mov Authors: Valeria Farrach and María Prats

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More in this section: Visit by Professor Lina Penagos: Innovation and Perspectives in Political Science, Public Management, and International Relations Successful participation in the Career Opportunities Conference in the field of Security and Defense.
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