The Far Side of the World: Current Events in Context
Learn the historical, philosophical, cultural, and religious foundations that shaped our modern world. Weekly essay assignments, challenging reading, fascinating documentaries and subject-related movies will prepare you for activities, quizzes, speakers, and discussions that will open your mind to new perspectives and will help you understand the history that affects our world and events happening today.
This semester will spend several weeks exploring the world of digital communication and how to find accurate information in a complex media environment. We will then dig into the philosophical foundations of Communism, explore the history of Russia, and discuss how history and philosophy have influenced the current war in Ukraine. Our second semester will focus on Asia and the Middle East. Plan to spend 5 hours a week on homework for this class.
Time | Ages 16 - 18 | Class Blog |
Mentors Co-Mentor Angela Silva | Level Depth or Breadth? | Tuition $45 Winter Semester $55 |
Prerequisites
None
Materials Required
Students must have access to a cell phone or laptop at every class period. Several online video rentals will be required, averaging $3-$5 each.
Homework
Master: 5+ hours of homework per week.
Our class will require reading daily news headlines, weekly research projects into modern figures and events, reading five challenging books and several short stories/speeches, watching 3-5 documentaries, and writing a weekly essay. You’ll also be invited to share international culture finds and bring snacks.
Notes
Books Students Provide
Title: True or False: A CIA Analyst's Guide to Spotting Fake News
Required: Yes - Fall
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Available here from Amazon
Title: Between Shades of Gray
Required: Yes - Fall
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes:
Available here from Amazon
Title: Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice
Required: Yes - Fall
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes:
Available here from Amazon