Purpose: The goal of the Global Studies program is to inspire and encourage those students who have a demonstrated interest in and passion for foreign languages and world affairs. Students selecting studies in this area may later pursue careers in foreign service or policy, international business, politics and more. It is a planned course of classroom study and relevant experiences to give the student both the theoretical and practical background to pursue their ambitions. The program is based on building a progressively clearer understanding of the interconnectedness of our world.
Program: The program will consist of a prescribed course of study in languages, international relations and government, as well as travel experiences and active participation in internships, organizations like Model U.N., Operation Smile, Outreach Club, or other relevant work or study. NSDA membership in the Extemporaneous Speaking category would qualify as well. Students who complete this course of study will have their work recognized on their transcript.
Progress toward satisfying the program goals will be evaluated each year. All other graduation requirements will be met.
Academic Requirements: (at least one of these must be at the AP level)
Two foreign languages are preferred (exceptions may be brought to the review committee): one of these must include the complete five-year sequence, with a two-year minimum recommended for the second language (this may be satisfied through in-school or accredited online programs in a language not offered at HRA, e.g. Japanese)
Along with the language studies, students will pursue offerings that broaden their knowledge of the world. (AP or regular World History, AP Literature or Comparative Literature, AP Government, AP Comparative Government, and International Relations are examples, though an independent study could be pre-approved as well) The total of courses in language and world-related courses should be at minimum ten. At least four of these should be from the social studies area, with International Relations or Comparative Government being required.
Outside Experience:
Students applying to the Global Studies program will commit to an ongoing, active role in Model U.N., Operation Smile, the Outreach Club, NSDA competition in Extemporaneous Speaking, or a combination of these. (active participation will include a leadership position and/or conference attendance, service trip, service hours, etc. )
In addition, students should pursue at least one significant out-of-school experience, approved in advance, that relates to this field. Examples would be a Governor’s School program in a language; summer study or an immersion program such as at Concordia Language Villages in MN; a summer course in global politics; or an internship experience with an international business or non-profit, etc. The senior project, also to be approved in advance, will be related to this field.
Finally, A reflective essay at the end of the senior year will address the program experience in general, and will serve as the final program requirement.