The new social science elective next year, International Relations, headed by U.S Government teacher, Jennifer Rodgers, provides students with a strong interest in current world affairs the chance to learn more about them and create an understanding of current world affairs.
“The drive behind this course is interest. This is seen through a large number of students participating in clubs like Modal UN and the Multi-Cultural Club, through students hosting and participating in international exchanges, and student volunteer efforts to help Haitian earthquake victims and refugees from the genocide in Darfur” said Rodgers.
“International Relations will allow students to become more aware of disputes, problems and ways to communicate with different nations. It is a great way to broaden their intellectual horizons by learning how different religions, cultures and countries deal with modern problems in order to alleviate the ignorance that is so common amongst high schoolers. That way, it allows them to make educated decisions in the future,” said Senior Emily McGlone, a member of Model UN.
There will also be a project component to the course that will give students a wide range of options to further explore an aspect of international relations that is of interest to them.
“Students that participate in Model UN, international exchanges, either host or participate, or students that would like to generate greater awareness in the school regarding a world issue such as the genocide in Darfur, will have an opportunity to create a project centered on their interests,” said Rodgers.
By adhering to the interests of students with world issues and world culture, students have an opportunity to learn more about a particular culture or world culture issue that some History or Government classes may not have covered.
“I signed up to join International Relations because I could get the chance to learn about certain cultures, such as Israel or Afghanistan, which we may not have mentioned in my U.S history class,” said Junior Kristen Porter.
“I would like to join because I would like to create a social bond with other countries that I may have never heard of before. To learn about their religious, political, or economical customs would be really cool!” said junior Patricia Ajavon.
It is great that students are enthusiastic about learning about the importance of our global community, but how enthusiastic are colleges about the elective showing up on school applications?
“Colleges recognize that today’s job marketplace is becoming increasingly globalized, and that learning about other countries, their cultures, and their policies is essential in nearly every profession. Having a course like International Relations on your transcript will demonstrate your commitment to preparing yourself for the 21st century job marketplace,” said Rodgers.
“It will be given credit as a social science elective. Therefore, colleges will notice that you have an interest in foreign affairs beyond the normal social science criteria. Which will add more credit to your transcripts,” said junior counselor Jaclyn Smith.
Despite most of the positive feedback from students, there are sure to be more students who are unaware of what the new course will provide. Rodgers hopes to attract students to further their education of current world issues and foreign policy.
“If you see yourself as a future diplomat, future international business leader, or just want to understand what is happening in the world around you, you will enjoy and benefit from the content of this course,” said Rodgers.