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Global Studies Certificate Program

Learn how to make a difference in the world

The Pennington School's Certificate in Global Studies is a two-year, interdisciplinary program open to all Pennington students. Students apply for the program in the winter of their sophomore year for participation during their junior and senior years. The Certificate in Global Studies is awarded at Commencement in June.

I want all of our students to believe that their Pennington education prepares them to give back to the world rather than give them a leg up to get ahead in the world.” —Dr. William S. Hawkey, Headmaster
The Global Studies Certificate Program at The Pennington School provides an interdisciplinary academic environment that prepares students to meaningfully participate and succeed in their ever-changing world. By participating in the program, students will develop their capacity to understand and act on issues of global significance. Broadening their outlook outside of their school environment, Global Studies students will take steps to achieve purposeful action in the world and take their places as true global citizens.

Program Requirements

Course requirements

Course Requirements during Junior and Senior years:

  • .5 credit of Global Studies Seminar (must be taken Junior year; may count as .5 of the required History credit)
  • 2 credits of English
  • 2 credits of History/Social Studies
  • 2 credits of World Languages OR 1.5 credits of courses from the following list (above the English and History/Social Studies requirements above):

English: Caribbean Literature; Literature of Postcolonial Africa; Irish Literature; Gender and Society; Hyphen-American Literature; War Literature

History/Social Studies: Revolutionary Innovations; International Politics; East Asian History; AP Modern European History; Middle East History; Civil Rights and Liberties

Religion: Buddhism; Rhythm of the Sacred; World Philosophy; Religion and Ecology

Arts: Junior- or senior-level arts courses that include global perspectives in their examination of artists, schools, or media

Science: Environmental Science

World Languages: All language courses

A sample schedule for a Global Studies student might look like this:

Junior Year:

Global Studies Seminar; Middle Eastern History; English III: Perspectives in World Literature; Spanish III; plus three credits and a study hall

Senior Year:


Human Geography; Civil Rights and Liberties; Irish Literature; Hyphen-American Literature; Spanish IV; plus three credits and a study hall


Another sample schedule for a Global Studies student might look like this:


Junior Year:

Global Studies Seminar; History Research Seminar: Material Culture; English III: Perspectives in World Literature; German III; plus three credits and a study hall

Senior Year:


Economics; Caribbean Literature; Literature of Post-Colonial Africa; Environmental Science; Buddhism; plus 2.5 credits and a study hall

Global experience

The Global Experience requirement requires students to engage significantly in an activity conducted outside of the classroom and with a global focus. These global experiences can be fulfilled locally, domestically, or abroad and must include a significant educational or service component. The Global Experience does not need to be School-sponsored, but it must be approved in advance by the Global Studies director. Students will submit proposals for their Global Experience following admission to the program.

Global Horizon project

All Pennington seniors participate in the Horizon senior internship program. Students in the Global Studies Certificate Program will choose a Horizon project that has a global focus, and which will serve as their capstone project for the Global Studies program. Each student will present his or her project to the larger School community.

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

Spring Break Travel

Teach English to elementary students and enjoy the beach. Open to all ninth- through twelfth-grade students. March 17 through March 24, 2018. Estimated Cost: $2000. Interested? Email Ms. Kane at maria.kane@pennington.org.

Provide medical services to remote churches and schools served by Harmony Ministries. Open to all ninth- through twelfth-grade students. March 20 through March 24, 2018. Estimated Cost: $2000. Interested? Email Mr. Thompson at bthompson@pennington.org.

Allons-y! Explore Francophone culture while you practice your French language skills; volunteer in a local elementary school, and enjoy the warm tropical sun on a Caribbean beach. Open to French students inninth- through twelfth-grade. March 17 through March 25, 2018. Estimated Cost: $3500. Interested? Email Dr. Henry at marissa.henry@pennington.org.

From the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square in Beijing, to Yuntai Mountain in Hunan Province, then by high-speed rail to Xi’An to see the Silk Road and the Terracotta Army, this trip has it all. Open to all eighth- through twelfth-grade students.! March 18 through March 28, 2018. Estimated Cost: $3600. Interested? Email Mr. Anderson at jack.anderson@pennington.org.

Summer 2018 Travel

Start your summer right with snorkeling, sun, and fun while you learn about marine biology and sustainable development on a magnificent tropical island at The Island School. June 16 through June 23, 2018. Estimated Cost $2100. Interested? Email Dr. Sisserson at kendra.sisserson@pennington.org.

Explore the ancient land that the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian religions call home; we will spend the night on a kibbutz, travel to a Bedouin camp, hike through ancient ruins, and visit Hand in Hand School where Jewish and Arab students study side-by-side. Open to all ninth- through twelfth-grade students. June 17 through June 27, 2018. Estimated Cost: $3400. Interested? Email Stephanie DeSouza at sdesouza@pennington.org.

FAQ

What is the cost of this program?

There are no specific costs associated with the Global Studies Certificate Program. The requirements for the global experience and the global Horizon project can be met without overnight travel.

Who should apply to the program?

All Pennington sophomores and juniors who are interested in world affairs and in making a contribution to the larger world we share are good candidates for this program. We welcome all students in those grades to apply!

Is the Global Studies Certificate Program an honors-level course of study?

No. All course requirements can be met without the need to take an honors-level class. We encourage all interested sophomores and juniors to apply for the program!

I do not take a world language but I am very interested in global affairs. May I apply to the Global Studies Certificate Program?

The language requirement for the Global Studies Certificate Program may be waived for students in the Cervone Center for Learning, or on a case-by-case basis. This waiver will be determined by the Global Studies committee.

I have already taken some of the courses on the list. Do those classes count toward the requirement for the certificate?

Yes. You will receive credit toward the Global Studies Certificate for any classes on the list of approved classes that you have previously completed at Pennington, including world languages classes.