Topic 2: Governing the European Union

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 teaches of the content and thinking strategies that will need to be part of classroom instruction if students are to do well on the transfer task.

Context

Now that you have learned about the governance of the European Union in terms of the new nationalism and the impact of immigration on its continued success, you are ready to think about how these lessons might be applied in a different setting.

Problem

The United States has had friendly relations with countries on its borders. Although there have been conflicts with Mexico, we could describe our current relationships with both countries as friendly.

The countries of Europe have had uneven relationships with each other over time with periods of uneasy peace alternating with serious conflicts. Despite this, the countries of Europe are now moving toward greater and greater cooperation through the formation of the European Union.

This move toward great unity in Europe could be viewed in the United States as a economic threat. The size of this economic block presents serious challenges to our own economy.

Future problem solvers in the United States need to be thinking about meeting this challenge by considering how the United States, Mexico, and Canada can move toward greater cooperation within our own sphere, thereby, meeting the challenge posed by the creation of the European Union.

Role/Perspective

You chair the Committee on Greater Cooperation between Canada, Mexico and the United States. The President has asked your committee to investigate the success of the European Union in bringing together the countries of Europe.

Product

Prepare a report for the president providing him with your findings on the status of the European Union today.

Criteria

In your report, focus on:

On how the European Union is governed

How the concept of nationalism has changed in Europe

How immigration has impacted the policies of Germany and the European Union