Elective Course Descriptions

Current Events / Global Studies 

In this class, students will study events taking place in the world today and debate their impact on the future. Changes in politics, economics, society, culture, foreign policy, both in America and in the world will be considered. Students will gain a richer appreciation for current events and understand how to better analyze and interpret them. 

-Global Financial Inequities
-Resources (distribution, scarcity, & depletion)
-Ecological Issues (climate change & biodiversity loss)
-Conflict, Terrorism, and Genocide
-Education
-Immigration
-Politics
-Economics
-Society & Culture
-Foreign Policy

Upon conclusion of this class students will have gained a fundamental knowledge and understanding of current domestic/international issues, learned to critically examine how these issues are presented and processed by various individuals/groups, and developed ideas to solve those problems. 

_____________________________________________________________________________
 

Expedition Adventure 
 
Students will create itineraries and plan real trips that they may be able to experience one day in the future. They will journey around the world from the classroom using immersive virtual reality and 360 degree images. We will use multiple applications including google expeditions, cardboard, and earth. Through this elective, students will be able to climb mountains, trek through jungles, stroll through city streets, visit pilgrimage sites, and more.
 
*Google cardboard viewers are strongly recommended for this class and will be used with student smartphones*
 
-If students do not already have a viewer, there is a link listed below that provides examples of products that can be purchased through Amazon. For our purposes, viewers in the $5-$10 range will be perfectly adequate. Please contact me with any questions at nireland@myholyfamilyschool.org
 
https://www.amazon.com/slp/google-cardboard-viewer/wv2ez8gw8qnj52y

_____________________________________________________________________________

Historical Film Analysis 

What role do historical films play in our society? Do they inform the public about historical topics or proliferate misinformation leading to distorted views? To what degree should we expect films to be historically accurate? How do we identify bias and gauge accuracy? What is the difference between based on true events, inspired by true events, and historical fiction? How do filmmakers balance historical accuracy and dramatic effect?
 
Student analysis of each film will cover the following topics:
-Historical context of the film
-Context of film production
-Historical accuracy
-Reception and impact
-Additional films covering the same/similar historical topics

_____________________________________________________________________________

Debate
 
The ability to develop and convey ideas is a valuable, transferable skill in the modern world. This is important in both academic and professional settings.
 
Exploring multiple viewpoints on topics or issues in a respectful, open manner is critical to informing individuals and developing effective policies.
 
Students in this elective will:
 
-Study historic debates
-Select topics and policies for debate
-Research topics and policies
-Select affirmative or negative viewpoints to argue
-Think critically and collaborate with classmates to develop an argument based on logic, fact, and emotional appeal
-Exercise formal discussion on a topic or policy in a structured setting
-Evaluate and analyze performance in debate
 
________________________________________________________________________________

Rugby

This elective will explore the following aspects of the game of rugby:

History/Structure- How the game began and why the game spread around the globe. Structure of rugby leagues around the world will be explored.

Styles/Formats- Different forms of rugby that will be covered include union, league, and sevens. Rules of each format will be covered.

Tactics- How different tactics are utilized throughout the different forms of rugby.

Play/Sportsmanship- Students will learn basic rugby skills through non-contact, touch rugby. Skills will include passing, catching, kicking, game restarts, offensive/defensive positioning.
Students will learn key aspects of rugby including sportsmanship, hard work, teamwork, and dedication. We will discuss how lessons learned from rugby can be applied to life off the field.