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Global Studies Requirements

Graduation Distinction in Global Studies

Learn more about Global Connections at Woodward

Distinction in Global Studies Requirements (A-D)

A. Schedule a meeting with the Director of Global Connections to discuss requirements. All students must submit an application and receive approval by February 1st of their 10th grade year. New to Woodward 11th grade students must immediately meet with the Director of Global Connections to see if meeting requirements is possible based on coursework in grades 9-10. All students pursuing the Global Studies Distinction must meet with the Director of Global Connections at the start of each semester to track progress.

B. Complete at least three years of one world language or complete the highest level of the language offered at Woodward Academy with a B or better cumulative average while in the Upper School.*

C. Complete four of the following options by February 1st of senior year.

  1. Volunteer a minimum of 20 hours a school year with an international organization (educational or non-profit) for a minimum of two years. All programs must be approved through the Director of Global Connections, and 10 hours per year can count towards the 20 service hours required in the US.
  2. Host a long-term F-1 visa international student for at least one academic school year.
  3. Host a short-term partner school student for the length of their exchange.
  4. Mentor a long-term international student meeting at least once a month for a minimum of two years.
  5. Pass an international language exam at a higher level (defined by world language teachers).
  6. Participate in a WA-sponsored international trip.
  7. Participate in a WA partner school exchange program; attending the partner school and staying with a host family.
  8. Study abroad through a WA-approved semester-long program or summer program approved by the Director of Global Connections.
  9. Complete a research project on a global issue or topic (approved by the Director of Global Connections) and present to a panel of faculty members and students.
  10. Be an active member of WA Global for at least two years (attending at least six meetings per year) -OR- be an active member of Model UN for at least two years participating in at least two off campus conferences.

D. Complete seven semester courses from the following selection while maintaining a B or better cumulative average in the selected courses while in the Upper School.*

Option of semester courses: Each counts for one semester (some limits apply; not all courses are offered every year).

  1. History of East Asia
  2. History of the Middle East
  3. U.S. Political Economy & its Critical Choices
  4. Topics in Multicultural, Ethnic & Diversity Studies
  5. World Religions
  6. Multicultural Literature
  7. Ethical Dilemmas and Decision Making (semester 1)
  8. African Studies
  9. Global Integrated Science (summer semester offering; maximum of 1 semester)

Option of year-long courses: Each course counts as two semesters (some limits apply; not all courses are offered every year).

  1. Ethical Dilemmas and Decision Making (both semesters)
  2. A.P. European History
  3. Modern World History
  4. AP Macroeconomics
  5. Study of a second world language (maximum two semesters)
  6. Environmental Science
  7. AP Environmental Science
  8. World Language Capstone (French)
  9. Visual or Performing Art with a Global Element

*NOTE: While the course work for items B and D can be completed by the end of the eighth semester in the Upper School, the B average GPA will be calculated at the end of the seventh semester.

Learn more about Global Connections at Woodward