Contextualization

The concept of nationalism is one of the fundamental pillars for understanding the contemporary world, and its study is essentially linked to the field of Geopolitics. In general terms, nationalism can be understood as an ideology that values the nation above all other aspects, fostering a sense of loyalty or devotion to the country. However, this concept can take on various forms and contexts, ranging from patriotic fervor to independence movements.

Like nations themselves, nationalism is not static. Throughout history, the concept of nationalism has evolved and adapted in parallel with political and social changes. To discuss nationalism, it is important to understand the emergence of the Modern Nation-State, a process that intensified from the 19th century onwards, laying the foundation for the nationalism we know today.

Being a complex and multifaceted ideology, nationalism has always played a significant role in shaping global geopolitics. In the 20th century, for example, nationalism played a crucial role in events such as the emergence of independence movements, the two World Wars, and the Cold War. More recently, with globalization and issues related to immigration, nationalism has become increasingly relevant and has been the subject of intense debate and analysis.

The discussion around the concept of nationalism is not limited to the academic field but permeates society as a whole. Understanding this concept is fundamental to grasp the functioning of the world we live in, from international conflicts to a country's internal policies. Whether in the workplace, at school, in the media, or even in an informal conversation, the theme of nationalism is always present.

Furthermore, understanding the concept of nationalism and how it manifests in our society is an important step towards becoming a more engaged and informed citizen. After all, the way we see and understand our country and our place in it is directly influenced by our views on nationalism.

Atividade Prática

Activity Title: Nationalism and Geopolitics on the Board

Project Objective

The project aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of the concept of nationalism and its influence on geopolitics through a simulation game.

Detailed Project Description

In this project, students will create a board game that represents the concepts of nationalism and geopolitics. The groups, consisting of 3 to 5 students, will function as a country, competing with other groups/countries on the board. The game rules will be defined by the groups themselves, based on the concepts learned.

The construction of the game will involve research, planning, design, and argumentation. Students will be encouraged to use their creativity to build an intriguing and informative game.

Required Materials

• Cardboard or poster board
• Markers
• Rulers
• Pieces from old board games or small objects to represent the 'countries'
• Dice
• Computer with internet access for research

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Completion

1. Gather your group and research the concepts of nationalism and its influence on global geopolitics. Take notes and discuss the findings as a group, ensuring all members understand the concepts.
2. Each group member should choose at least 2 examples of historical or contemporary events worldwide where nationalism played a significant role. Discuss the choices as a group.
3. Create the board game rules based on the learned concepts and researched examples. For example, the chosen events can serve as challenges or opportunities in the game.
4. Draw the game board, representing the different 'countries'. Ensure that the game elements reflect the concepts of nationalism and geopolitics.
5. Test the game as a group, record the rounds and results. Improve the rules and design based on the gameplay experience.
6. Prepare the project report following the given guidelines.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, each group must deliver:

• The complete board game, with rules written clearly and objectively.

• A written report on the project, which will include:

  1. Introduction: In this section, students must contextualize the concepts of nationalism and geopolitics, the relevance of these concepts in today's society, and the project's objective. Students must also briefly explain the dynamics of the created game and how it represents the studied concepts.

  2. Development: Here, each group must detail the theory behind the concept of nationalism and its influence on geopolitics, explain the game creation process, indicate the methodology used, and finally present and discuss the results obtained during the test plays. Students must also illustrate the challenges encountered during the project development and how these challenges were overcome.

  3. Conclusions: This section should summarize the main points of the report, highlight the learnings acquired during the project, and draw conclusions about the concept of nationalism in geopolitics.

  4. Bibliography: Indicates the study sources for the game creation.

Remember, all sections must be clearly outlined and well-written, with proper justification and explanation for each decision made during the project. The report should demonstrate the students' understanding of the topic and how they managed to apply the concepts of nationalism and geopolitics in their game project.