View a brief video overview of the Global Studies and World Languages Academy Program.
Focusing on world-class performance, the Global Studies and World Languages Academy will prepare students for world citizenship by providing opportunities to develop the intellectual skills needed to make global connections among all disciplines. The Academy will offer rigorous academic curricula with geography integrated into the subject matter of every course. Three major themes will also be embedded throughout the curricula: global issues, global systems, and global cultures. The study of two world languages will be required for all Academy students. Students will choose from the current language offerings of French, German, Spanish, Latin, Japanese, and Russian; or, they will choose from two new language offerings, Chinese and Arabic.
The Academy will offer students the opportunity to embrace an academic curriculum that will prepare them for an interconnected world and global economy. The Academy will prepare students for post-secondary education and provide opportunities to investigate international job market trends and explore international careers. Career success in fields such as business, government, banking, and media and communications will require global knowledge and proficiency in world languages. Students will have the opportunity to experience first hand these careers through job shadowing and internships. Students may tailor their program of study to earn either a Standard Diploma 
or a Advanced Studies Diploma.
Global Studies and World Languages Academy
Typical Course of Study - Sample Student Schedule
For detailed course descriptions, please refer to the 2008-2009 Secondary School Curriculum Guide.
9th Grade
- World Literature and Composition I
- Global Studies I or AP Human Geography
- Global Ecology
- Algebra I or Geometry
- Physical Education I
- World Language
- International Careers (semester)
- Global Issues Seminar (semester)
10th Grade
- World Literature and Composition II
- Global Studies II or AP European History
- Earth Science or Chemistry
- Geometry or Algebra II
- Physical Education II
- World Language
- Global Cultures Seminar (semester)
- Cultural Anthropology (semester)
11th Grade
- English 11 (American Literature) or AP Language and Composition
- US History or AP US History
- Advanced Mathematics for Global World I or AP Statistics
- Physics or AP Physics
- World Language
- Global Economics (semester)
- International Business (semester)
- Music & Art in China (semester)
- Global Communications Technology (semester)
12th Grade
- English 12 (British Literature) or AP Literature and Composition
- US Government or AP Government Comparative
- Advanced Math for Global World II or AP Calculus
- Global Human & Environmental Sciences
- World Language
- Global Media Analysis
- Global Systems Seminar (semester)
- Organized Leadership in a Global World (semester)
Elective Year-Long Courses
- Advanced Mathematics for a Global World I and II
- Global Human and Environmental
- Science
- Global Media Analysis
Elective Semester Courses
- Global Studies Journalism
- Global Studies Creative Writing
- Global Relations
- World Religions
- Cultural Anthropology
- Organized Leadership in a Global World
- International Business
- International Trade
- Music and Art of China
- Music and Art of the Middle East
- Global Communications Technology
- International Foods
The Academy Project
A long-term project with a culminating presentation in the student's senior year will feature an in-depth study of a global culture and a global issue of concern. Components of the project will include community service, cultural investigation, and the development of a portfolio. Educational travel between the junior and senior year will offer research opportunities that will cultivate a deeper understanding of selected global issues.
CURRICULUM
Students will experience an academic program specifically designed with a global studies focus. Geography studies and the knowledge of its practical applications will remain key to all course study throughout the four-year program. The learning of world languages will also be a major factor in the Academy experience. Other unique course offerings and opportunities linked to a comprehensive program of global studies include:
- Advanced coursework in English, math, social studies, and science integrated with three global themes;
- Seminar courses that utilize current non-fiction dealing with complex global issues;
- Studies in international careers and job shadowing;
- Studies in global economics and international business;
- An in-depth study of a global culture and global issue of concern utilizing community resources and educational travel;
- The use of the distance learning telecommunications laboratory to communicate globally via satellite broadcasting;
- Community and international partnerships;
- Electives in practical arts including Global Communications Technology and International Foods;
- Electives in fine arts including Music and Art of China and the Middle East; and
- An after-school program with a world language immersion café and intramural sports program.
For additional information please call the Academy Coordinator at 757.648.5725, or e-mail Rebecca Gurley ragurley@vbschools.com at Tallwood High School.
