Description

This project seeks to develop an online international relations/political science ‘puzzle bank.’ The system will offer a selection of thoroughly researched and well-presented modules built around empirical puzzles. Each such module would present the puzzle, include related media (maps, graphs, photos, and videos), link to a selection of articles, books and data sets, list potential research questions, and provide structured space for collaboration.

The proposed PIPS system will develop both the technological platform as well as the needed content in order to encourage a Problem-based Learning (PBL) approach to the teaching of political science, regardless of class size, both in regular classes as well as in remote-learning settings. Despite a growing interest in PBL among political science scholars, there has been no serious attempt to develop the resources needed for PBL-centered undergraduate courses in the discipline. The proposed PIPS system seeks to fill-up this glaring lacuna. If successful, it will offer an innovative supplement, or even an alternative, to the good old textbook.