Global Studies Concentration

The Global Studies concentration fosters an ethos of global citizenship by examining the intersections between what a student is learning in the classroom and with the broader global society.

The program: 

• Promotes “Glocal” thinking: the interconnection between global and local, empowering students to be agents of change in their local communities and in the broader world.
• Develops a cultural competency to nurture empathy and respect for cultural diversity.
• Encourages an expedition mentality where students approach the world with curiosity and a sense of adventure and apply it to their own lives.

Students will:

• Research and discuss global issues relating each topic to a local connection.
• Develop a journalistic approach to writing and research, including data collection, geographic understanding, and cultural analysis.
• Expand conversation skills through critical thinking, intellectual discourse, and civil discourse to foster a deeper understanding and meaning.
• Present research and write in-depth on a topic of global interest in the form of a research paper or assembly-style presentation.

Required Courses:

• Sophomore Year:
  • Perspectives in Global Thinking (.5 credit)
  • World Language (1.0 additional credit beyond graduation requirements)
    • The additional credit can be in the same world language as previous credits OR in a a new world language.
• Junior Year: Global Seminar Class (.5 credit)
• Senior Year: Capstone Class (.5 credit)

Elective Courses (.5 credit):

Students would choose at least .5 credit from several international/global electives. Examples include: AP Human Geography, Borders & People: Immigration History in the United States, Micro/Macroeconomics, Modern Middle East History, French Culture and Film, Modern Chinese History.

The .5 credit can be taken at any point in the student’s high school experience; it does not need to be completed prior to senior year.

Other Global Concentration Requirements:

• Immersive Travel 
  • Sophomore Year Travel:  10-day Global/Local Experience

Is there a language requirement to be a part of Global Studies?

Students are required to finish all three years of language to be this program.

What if my student's interest in global studies has an arts, science, or business focus?

That's great! We understand that a Global Program is all-encompassing and that a student may approach this study from a different interest point. The student's advisor will help them find the right course for their interest that fulfills the elective requirement in the concentration.

Will there be a travel component as a part of this program?

We are working to develop both local study and an international trip for this program. As of right now, an international trip isn't a required part of the program.