Geographical Eye Over Europe

7 – Twenty-Minute Programs
Grade(s):  7 - 12
Social Studies, Geography, History; Economics

A series providing a snapshot of some important geographical trends taking place in Europe.  Using case studies, the focus is on families and individuals whose lives are being affected by a wide variety of geographical changes.  A broad range of topics and themes are covered, offering a balance between the “core” and “periphery” of Europe: the flourishing and less prosperous regions, the familiar and less familiar spots. What is the European Union (EU) doing about guiding investment, encouraging economic activity and upgrading infrastructures?  How successful is the EU in enhancing the quality of life?

Objectives:

u       urban land-use:

u       patterns and change;

u       causes and effects of change in population: migration;

u       contrasts in development;

u       water resources;

u       European Union issues;

u       the impact of technology on agricultural development

Supplemental Materials:
Online Net Notes:  includes Program Outlines; Background Information; maps.

Programs:

1.   The Reshaping of a City
Berlin: A City Reborn  (19:08)
To show how:  Berlin’s re-shaping over the last decade has dramatically changed the city’s structure and appearance; has opened up new opportunities for jobs and lifestyles; is the result of international changes and reflects the way the city has developed in the past.  Outline

2.   Rural Revival?
Transylvania, Romania:
Illustrates contrasts between rural and urban life; reasons for migration from and to the countryside; why the Romanian economy is poorly developed; where Romania’s future prosperity may lie.

3.  Delta Development
The Danube, Romania :
Provides rarely seen footage of the Danube Delta and gives detailed insight into: Why a steelworks was built there; The economic and social changes brought about by the collapse of state ownership in Romania; How this unique environment might safely expand tourism

4.  Remaking the Landscape
Eastern Germany:
To show just how devastating industrial activity has been in former East Germany, both visually and in terms of disrupting peoples’ lives.  Provides:  First rate visual images of large-scale derelict landscapes in the lignite mining zone; Images and interviews which paint a picture of economic collapse in Leipzig and the surrounding countryside; Examples of successful economic recovery and environmental restoration - on both a small and grand scale.

5.   The Emigrants
Northern Portugal and Switzerland:
To show why emigration is so common in Northern Portugal, Looks at: the attractions and disadvantages of life in the Douro valley; the personal stories of young people who have left to find work; why some choose to stay despite the lack of opportunity; how the region is beginning to develop.

6.   Renew or Die
Bilbao, the Basque Country, Spain:
Provides dramatic visual images of the city of Bilbao, past and present; Explains, through archive film and eye witnesses, why it became such an important center for iron and steel and other “heavy” industries in the early twentieth century; Uses interviews and contemporary footage to show how economic decline affects people and the landscape; Captures the spirit of a city transforming itself through major rebuilding schemes, economic expansion and individual enterprise.

7.   Crisis on the Land
Almeria, Spain: 
Provides dramatic images of a rapidly changing landscape in southern Spain; explain why the Almeria district has become a major producer of fruit and vegetables; use interviews and unique footage of migration in process to explain population flows from north Africa into Europe.