Topic 3: Economic Issues Affect Cooperation               between Germany, the European               Union, and Other Nations

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 the cooperative nature of European Union membership, you are ready to think about how these lessons might be applied in a different setting.

Problem

The nation of Turkey is being considered for admission to the European Union. In order to join the Union, they need to fulfill the economic and political conditions known as the “Copenhagen Criteria,” according to which a prospective member must:

be a stable democracy, respecting human rights, the rule of law, and the protection of minorities;

have a functioning market economy;

adopt the common rules, standards and policies that make up the body of EU law, including environmental policies and trade laws.

Role/Perspective

You have been selected as the chair of the European Union membership committee that will recommend whether or not Turkey should be admitted. This committee will research Turkey’s application and evaluate it according to the “Copenhagen Criteria.”

Product

Prepare a report summarizing your findings about Turkey and make a recommendation either for or against its membership in the EU.

Criteria

In your report, be sure to include

Your recommendation for or against membership status

Supportive reasons for your recommendation based on the Copenhagen Criteria;

Charts and/or graphs to support your arguments.