Topic 1: Germany’s Changing Position in Europe               and the World

Transfer Task

Note to the Teacher: Although the transfer task is included here, it is intended that this task be given to students at the end of the three lessons. Its placement here is intended to remind teachers of the content and thinking strategies that will need to be part of the classroom instruction if students are to perform well on the transfer task.

Context

Now that you have learned more about Germany and its geographic, economic, and cultural roles in regard to the rest of Europe and the United States, you are ready to think about how these lessons might be applied in a different setting.

Problem

The History Club at your school has become concerned about the study of history in the district curriculum. They feel that the history curriculum has become more focused on:

United States history to the exclusion of Europe

breadth than depth

the past to the exclusion of contemporary history

events, people, and places – rather than issues and understandings

Of special concern is the lack of information about Germany and its role in the European Union.

Role/Perspective

You have been selected as the chair of a committee to make a presentation to the school board. This committee will request that additional resources be introduced into the curriculum to provide more up to date information on Germany.

Product

Prepare a presentation to the school board that will convince them to add a study of Germany to the secondary curriculum.

Criteria

In your presentation, be sure to include:

Reasons for adding more current information about Germany.

Use charts and/or graphs to support your arguments.