World History and World Literature work together in theme-based units in World Studies, a two-period class taught by two teachers in the same room where 60 sophomore students take the class for two consecutive periods on non-block days. According to English teacher Scott Perry, the course offers a collaborative environment with round tables and fosters strong teacher-student relationships.
“Students that want to grow in their collaboration and academic conversation skills as they daily engage with their classmates will experience success and truly enjoy the unique experience that World Studies provides,” English teacher Scott Perry said. “We hope you choose World Studies and keep this unique and rewarding course going strong!”
Sophomore Akira Nishikawa, who is currently taking World Studies, believes there are both advantages and disadvantages to the collaborative environment.
“My most favorite thing about this class is that we are able to collaborate more usually in class, so I get new ideas and new perspectives from other people’s opinions,” Nishikawa said. “[But] the class expects you to be able to collaborate with the people you are assigned with, which may [...] be challenging for those who are afraid to talk [to] others they are not familiar with.”
In World Studies, students mostly work by discussing opinions on each topic within the group and occasionally work independently on classwork. For Nishikawa, she says she gains more knowledge working in groups of four to six students than working independently.
“If you are able to work well by talking with others, or if you want to grow your communication skills and confidence, then take the class,” Nishikawa said. “The class itself doesn't ask you to stress, so there are no worries about the studying part.”
World Studies students at the Museum of the Holocaust in April 2018 for the World Studies field trip. Photo by Scott Perry / Used with permission