Topic 2: Governing the European Union

Lesson 2
Step #3: Application

Strategy: Case Study

How has the concept of nationalism been altered by the formation of the European Union?

Activities

Make copies of Handout #9: Topic 2, Lesson 2 (Gorlitz, Germany and Zgorzelec, Poland: A Case Study for Regional Cooperation) and distribute them to the class. Review the “Case Study for Regional Cooperation.” List the facts of the case on the board as they are discussed in class. Be sure you are accepting fact and not opinion at this point.

Divide the class into groups. Have each group:

Review the facts in the case.
Consider the proposal for building the city of Gorlitz-Zgorzelec.

Have each group role play that they are the designated common administrators for the new city of Gorlitz-Zgorzelec. Ask them to develop the city plan. Tell them to be sure their plan includes a consideration of:

Housing patterns
Transportation
Language differences
Acquisition of skilled labor
Political experiences and practices
Other considerations.

Have each group present its plan to the entire class and respond to questions and concerns.

Check for Understanding

FOCUS QUESTION #2: How has the concept of nationalism been altered by the formation of the European Union?

Have the students do a “Journal Entry” describing the “new European.” Ask them to discuss:

Changes related to regionalism
Changes related to nation building versus a united Europe
Changes related to easier access at border crossings
Changes related to language.