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ASHOKA
Ashoka: Becoming the Dharma King

by J. Noel Hubler


Seeking collaboration between the Brahmins, Jains, and Buddhists

In 260 B.C.E., Ashoka returned from his successful war against Kalinga, grieved at the great suffering and loss of life he had brought to the land. He was determined to become a better Buddhist and a king who ruled not through force, but through the Dharma (literally “law,” but it comes to mean “true teaching” and “order of the universe”). As members of the Council, students represent the major traditions operative at Ashoka’s time: Brahmin Traditionalists, Jains, Ajivikas, and Buddhists who must advise the King on the policies that will help him become the Dharma-king. However, each of the King’s proposals is controversial because the Kingdom is home to so many different traditions. The King must seek to navigate between the different interests of the traditions. At the same time, the King believes that all traditions should honor and learn from each other. The King cannot afford to rule autocratically. He needs to keep peace within the Kingdom so he cannot simply impose his Buddhist views. He also knows that many kings have fallen before, so he must always be on the lookout for plots against his rule that can even come from his own family. He cannot afford to alienate any of the traditions that could serve as a base for opposition to his rule.

This is a Level 4 game that is still under development but has been approved by the Reacting Editorial Board (REB) for general use. A detailed explanation of the editorial process and game levels can be found on our REB Page.

ABOUT THE GAME

Details

Disciplines
Philosophy, History, Political Science and Government, Religious Studies

Sample Class Titles
World Philosophies, Asia to 1644, History of India

Themes and Issues  Religion and Government, Women in Religion, Non-Violence, Asceticism, Collaboration Between Traditions

Era 
3rd Century B.C.E; Antiquity

Geography 
Asia; South Asia

Notable Roles
King Ashoka, Princess Sangamitta, Sattuka

Primary Source Highlights 
The Majjhima NikāyaThe Rig Veda, The Acharanga Sutra


Level
Level 4 game (what's that mean?)

Player Interactions 
Collaborative, Competitive, Factional

Mechanics 
Dice Rolls, Formal Podium Rule

Chaos and Demand on Instructor 
Medium Chaos; Medium Demand on Instructor

Using the Game

Class Size and Scalability 
This game is recommended for classes with 6-47 students.

Class Time  
For this game, 2-4 setup sessions and 3-5 game sessions are recommended.

Assignments
You can adjust the assignments to fit the desired learning outcomes of your game. This game can include traditional papers, research, thesis-driven writing, journalism, and creative writing. All roles are required to give formal speeches.



GAME MATERIALS

Reacting Consortium members can download all game materials below. You will be asked to sign in before downloading.  

Please fill out the Permissions Request Form before using Ashoka in your class!

Gamebook

All students need a Gamebook, which includes resources and historical content. Members can download the Gamebook, and provide it to students for free or at cost.

Instructor's Manual

The Instructor's Manual includes guidance for assigning roles, presenting historical context, assignments, activities and discussion topics, and more.

Role Sheets

Students also need a Role Sheet, which contains biographical information, suggestions for further reading, and role-specific info or assignments.  


ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

J. Noel Hubler

J. Noel Hubler is a professor of Philosophy and Politics at Lebanon Valley College and author of Overcoming Uncertainty in Ancient Greek Political Philosophy (2021).

QUESTIONS

Members can contact game authors directly

We invite instructors join our Facebook Faculty Lounge, where you'll find a wonderful community eager to help and answer questions. We also encourage you to submit your question for the forthcoming FAQ, and to check out our upcoming events


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reacting@barnard.edu

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