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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-F)

A.    Schedule a meeting with the Director of Global Connections to discuss requirements. All students must submit an application and receive approval by February 1 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 distinction must meet with the Director of Global Connections at the start of each semester to track progress.

B. Upon submitting the application, students must complete a self-reflection form about their understanding of global citizenship and personal assessment of global competencies.  

C. 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.*

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

  1. Volunteer 40 hours with a non-profit organization with a global impact/reach. (These hours are in addition to required Woodward service hours and should not be submitted to HelperHelper.) Service must be approved by the Director of Global Connections.
  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 a language proficiency exam at a higher level (defined by world language teachers).
    1. International Language Exams: DELE (Spanish), DELF (French), & Goethe Zertifikat (German) passing at B1 or higher (through C2). HSK (Chinese) passing at Level 3 or higher (through Level 6). JLPT (Japanese) passing at Level N4 or higher (through N1)
    2. AP Language Exam: passing with 3 or higher
    3. STAMP Exam: passing with 5 or higher on all sections (Intermediate-Mid)
    4. Biliteracy Seal: Functional Fluency Award - Intermediate Mid or B1
  6. Participate in a WA-sponsored international program.
  7. Participate in a WA partner school exchange program; attending the partner school and staying with a host family.
  8. Study abroad for a semester or summer with an educational 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.

E. 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. Personhood
  10. Global Integrated Science Field Course (summer semester offering; maximum of 1 semester; not offered every summer)
  11. Costa Rica Tropical Ecology Field Course (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 courses for Sections C and E may 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.

F. During the final semester of senior year, students must complete a self-reflection form about their understanding of global citizenship and a personal assessment of global competencies. The student will also reflect on their growth and experience pursuing the distinction in an exit interview with the Director of Global Connections.