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Calvin Davis

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Should the American school system place a greater focus on International Studies?

In some places in the US, Texas for example, teaches Texas history with little focus outside of the state through high school. With the current state of technology and an ever increasing global economy, should it not be a concern to avoid the "American" stigma and allow our children to be knowledgable of world history and things outside of America?

It may seem like a common sense question, but I just don't see the focus, especially in public school systems.

Topics: American society balanced societies education
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    peter lindsay 30+

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    Feb 6 2013: Yes. As an Australian participating in an American forum I am often surprised by how little knowledge the "average" US citizen has of even close allies like us or New Zeland. To a large extent I think its because the US has been self sufficient for so long and not had to look over seas for resources or technology. The problem is you eventually stop looking outside your box and miss really good stuff. I must admitt it is a pet hate of mine that most Americans assume so many things are US developed or discovered when they actually come from elsewhere. We get a lot of US TV here and I tend to cringe when Dr OZ or someone does an article about some new medical breakthrough that we've had in Australia for years.(helicobacter pylori, cochlear implants, spray-on skin for burns etc)

    • Calvin Davis

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      Feb 6 2013: I do love American culture, and I also love other cultures as well. My undergraduate experience in a school with several different types of people represented opened my eyes to the world beyond the US. I truly appreciate the things I have learned from different cultures. I look at places in Europe where it is almost the norm to speak a second language; however the typical American may believe English is the only way. This is one of the factors that contribute to why I posed the question. Language is sometimes the gateway to another culture.

      Point blank, I think International Studies and its importance is undervalued in the American school system.
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    Fritzie Reisner 100+

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    Feb 5 2013: In my state world history is a staple in curriculum from grade school through high school and has been for a very long time. I didn't realize this was not standard. Have you done any sort of survey of what is typical across the country, as you mention "public school systems?" Or are you familiar only with Texas?

    • Calvin Davis

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      Feb 6 2013: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/roper2006/pdf/FINALReport2006GeogLitsurvey.pdf

      It has been greatly studied that the general American population is ignorant to world affairs and geography unless it is depicted on Fox News or CNN. It starts at the educational focus of most public school systems to eliminate this stigma. As one travels the world, and socializes with different cultures, you begin to see and hear the way that most American travelers are initially viewed.
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        Fritzie Reisner 100+

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        Feb 6 2013: You were talking about instruction in world history as part of high school curriculum.

        So my question stands.

        • Calvin Davis

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          Feb 6 2013: Viewing the National Geographic study link I placed in the last post can help show the view in which I am attempting to convey. While your circle of education may be effective in teaching international studies or world history, the vast majority cannot boast the same. I have seen the same thing in several different states where there is no perceived need for an international focus, second language or even keeping up with world events (not just the popular events). I say this because it starts in the elementary schools and perpetuates through high school. We are essentially training our generations in advance to have a closed concept of globalization, which will change as they get older and experience culture shock. It seems reasonable to think that these generations can be more successful by having culture shock be organic to local education systems across the US with a higher focus level.
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