Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Europe: Russia vs Ukraine

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

This stage of the lesson plan aims to prepare students for a deep understanding of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, addressing its historical and geographical roots and the recent events that exacerbated it. The emphasis on developing practical skills and connecting to the job market is essential, as it empowers students to analyze complex geopolitical scenarios and their implications, skills valued in various careers including diplomacy, journalism, and international analysis.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the historical and geographical origins of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

2. Identify the recent events that intensified the conflict and resulted in the current war.

Side Objectives

1. Analyze the geopolitical and economic consequences of the conflict for Europe and the world.
2. Develop research and critical analysis skills through investigating diverse sources on the topic.

Introduction

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

This stage of the lesson plan aims to prepare students to engage with the topic critically and informatively. The historical and geopolitical contextualization, along with practical examples and an engaging initial activity, aims to spark students' interest and connect the content to the reality of the job market.

Contextualization

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has deep roots in European history and geopolitics. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine has sought greater integration with the West, while Russia sees this movement as a threat to its sphere of influence. These misunderstandings evolved into a series of events that culminated in the recent war, affecting not only the countries involved but also the global economy and politics.

Curiosities and Market Connection

Curiosities: Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, is a strategic region due to its access to the Black Sea. Connection to the job market: Knowledge of geopolitics is essential for careers in diplomacy, international analysis, and journalism. Energy companies, for instance, closely monitor conflicts in the region as Ukraine is an important natural gas corridor between Russia and Western Europe.

Initial Activity

Design a short video (3-5 minutes) that explains the recent events of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. After the video, ask the following provocative question to the students: 'How do you think the conflict between Russia and Ukraine affects gas prices in Europe?'

Development

Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to deepen students' knowledge about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine through practical and interactive activities. Students will develop research, critical analysis, negotiation, and teamwork skills applicable in various careers. The peace negotiation simulation provides a practical understanding of the diplomatic and geopolitical challenges, while the fixation exercises ensure the consolidation of acquired knowledge.

Covered Topics

1. History of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine
2. Geopolitics of the region
3. Recent events leading to the war
4. Global economic and political impacts
5. Strategic importance of Crimea

Reflections on the Theme

Encourage students to reflect on how national and international interests can influence conflicts between nations. Guide them to consider the different perspectives involved, including the economic, political, and social interests of each country. Facilitate a discussion on possible solutions and the challenges to achieving peace in the region.

Mini Challenge

Peace Negotiation Simulation

Students will participate in a simulation of peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. They will be divided into groups representing different countries and international organizations (e.g., UN, European Union, Russia, Ukraine, USA). Each group must develop a resolution proposal for the conflict, considering the interests and concerns of all parties involved.

Instructions

1. Divide students into groups, each representing a country or international organization.
2. Distribute research materials about the positions and interests of each represented group.
3. Guide students to discuss internally and develop a resolution proposal for the conflict.
4. Facilitate a negotiation session where each group presents its proposal and debates with others.
5. In the end, conduct a vote to choose the most viable and fair proposal, discussing the challenges and positive points of the negotiations.

Objective: Develop negotiation, critical analysis, and teamwork skills while deepening students' understanding of the geopolitical and diplomatic challenges involved in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Duration: 30 - 40 minutes

Evaluation Exercises

1. List three historical events that contributed to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
2. Explain the strategic importance of Crimea for Russia.
3. Discuss the economic impacts of the conflict in Europe and the world.
4. What is the role of international organizations in resolving conflicts like the one between Russia and Ukraine?
5. Research and write a brief report on one of the economic sanctions imposed on Russia and its effects.

Conclusion

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to ensure that students consolidate the knowledge acquired, reflect on the practical application of the content, and understand the importance of the topic for the current context and their future careers. By promoting a discussion and recap of the main points, students are encouraged to internalize the learnings and recognize the relevance of studying geopolitics.

Discussion

Promote a final discussion, encouraging students to share their reflections on what they learned. Ask how they think economic, political, and social interests shape conflicts between nations and the role of international organizations in mediating these conflicts. Stimulate them to think about the challenges and complexities of peace negotiations and how these skills can be applied in their future careers.

Summary

Recap the main points covered during the lesson: the historical and geographical origin of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the recent events that culminated in the war, the strategic importance of Crimea, the global economic and political impacts, and the role of international organizations. Emphasize how the peace negotiation simulation helped students better understand the geopolitical and diplomatic dynamics.

Closing

Explain how the lesson connected theory and practice by addressing a current and relevant topic, using interactive and practical activities that simulate real scenarios of diplomatic negotiations. Highlight the importance of understanding geopolitical conflicts for developing critical skills and preparing for various careers, such as diplomacy, journalism, and international analysis. Conclude by emphasizing the relevance of the topic for everyday life, considering its applications in international relations and the job market.