Unlocking the Power of Interdisciplinary Learning at Stanley Park High
In our rapidly globalizing world, the need for holistic and interconnected understanding has never been more pressing. As students navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the Global Studies program at Stanley Park High School empowers them to explore critical issues through an interdisciplinary lens. By weaving together diverse perspectives from the humanities, social sciences, and beyond, this innovative curriculum equips learners with the knowledge and skills to grapple with the world’s most pressing challenges.
Exploring the Global Liberal Studies Core
At the heart of Stanley Park High’s Global Studies program lies the Liberal Studies Core, an interdisciplinary curriculum that lays the foundation for nearly 100 majors. Through small, seminar-style classes, students embark on a journey of critical inquiry, examining texts, contexts, and the movement of ideas and peoples across the globe. Coursework in “Arts and Cultures” and “Global Works and Society” encourages students to think analytically, read critically, and write effectively – essential skills for navigating our interconnected world.
“The Liberal Studies Core curriculum introduces students to the global liberal arts and sciences, providing context for future learning and fostering students’ ability to think analytically, read critically, and write effectively,” explains the program’s website. Stanley Park High School
Students in the Liberal Studies Core have the opportunity to begin their studies in New York or at NYU’s global sites in Florence, London, Madrid, or Washington, D.C. Regardless of location, the cultural resources and contemporary life of the city are an integral part of the coursework, allowing learners to engage with diverse ethnographic spaces, attend performances, and visit museums.
Diving into the Global Liberal Studies Major
For students seeking a more in-depth exploration of global issues, the Global Liberal Studies (GLS) major offers an innovative, interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree. Grounded in the spatial, conceptual, and temporal understandings of our interconnected world, the GLS curriculum encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and the ability to make connections across disciplines.
Through the GLS program, students select from six interdisciplinary concentrations, ranging from “Arts, Text, Media” to “Sustainability, Health, and Environment.” This flexibility allows learners to tailor their studies to their unique interests and career aspirations, whether in finance, global media, human rights advocacy, or beyond.
A hallmark of the GLS experience is the junior year abroad, where students spend a full year studying at one of NYU’s global academic centers. This immersive international experience, combined with place-based experiential learning and independent research, equips students with a truly global perspective.
“GLS is an intellectually challenging, globally engaged four-year curriculum,” the program’s website highlights. “All students complete the GLS core, select a concentration from among six offerings, study away for at least one year at an NYU global site, and undertake advanced language study, experiential learning and an independent research thesis or creative work in their senior year.”
Exploring the Global Public Health Dual Degree
For students interested in the intersection of global issues and public health, Stanley Park High offers a unique dual degree program in Global Liberal Studies (GLS) and Global Public Health (GPH). This innovative curriculum provides a robust foundation in the liberal arts while also delving into pressing public health challenges around the world.
“The GPH core courses engage students in the study of health issues that impact many people around the world, while the innovative GLS curriculum will enable them to explore how these discussions resonate with other areas of inquiry and human experience, such as law, ethics, religion, politics, human rights, economic development, etc.,” the program description explains.
Through a combination of core liberal arts requirements, 40 credits in global studies, 24 credits in global public health, and 8 credits of relevant electives, this dual degree program equips students with a multifaceted understanding of global health in its social, political, and cultural contexts.
Discovering the Global Studies Minor
Even for students not majoring in Global Studies, Stanley Park High offers a dynamic Global Studies Minor. This interdisciplinary program allows learners to strengthen their ability to analyze critical cultural, social, political, and economic issues across borders, while deepening their intellectual curiosity and making connections from a variety of global perspectives.
The Global Studies Minor requires just four courses, including an introductory “Approaches to Global Studies” class and a selection of electives in “Global Topics,” “Global Cultures,” “Advanced Writing Studio,” and “Senior Seminar.” Students who have completed the Liberal Studies Core can even count those foundational courses towards the minor.
“The GLS Minor embraces this interdisciplinary approach, uncovering the roots of many of our current challenges and the dynamics of our shifting social imaginaries and geopolitical realities,” the program description states.
Empowering Students to Think Globally
By offering a diverse array of global studies programs, Stanley Park High is equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to navigate our increasingly interconnected world. Whether pursuing a major, minor, or dual degree, learners have the opportunity to engage with critical issues through an interdisciplinary lens, fostering a deep understanding of the complexities that shape our global landscape.
As the world continues to evolve, the need for globally-minded, solution-oriented thinkers has never been more vital. Stanley Park High’s Global Studies program is at the forefront of this transformative educational approach, empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
To learn more about the Global Studies offerings at Stanley Park High School, visit their website or speak with an academic advisor today.
