TOWAMENCIN- Immigration…Gun Control… Genocide… Climate Change… Resource Distribution…

As course selection is around the corner, these hot-button issues are packed into a class here at North Penn. Taught by Mr. Steven Henry, Contemporary Global Issues encompasses the issues most pertinent to our nation and world. This course is a semester class that meets six days a cycle.

Certain topics like fresh water, population, climate change, and gun control carry from year to year. However, to keep the “contemporary” in Contemporary Global Issues, the curriculum is changed up a bit. The class includes informational videos, documentaries, worksheets, and most importantly, class discussion.

One of the first things Mr. Henry will tell you as you sit in his class is that 2+2 does not always equal 4, there is never a right answer or opinion.

“Your opinion could be very different than the person’s who’s sitting next to you. We’re not trying to reach a consensus in this class. As long as we respect each other and we come with facts than people are allowed to express their opinion on any topic we have. I tell them ‘it’s not my job to give you an opinion; it’s your job to have an opinion, but you have to back it up with facts,’” commented Henry.

The course’s honors level should not be a deterrent to any students wanting to take it. If one takes interest in  current events, he or she is an ideal candidate.

“I’d like to see everyone take this class. I enjoy teaching it and the more students there is to teach, the more classes I have of it which I think is a good thing. I think it’s good for students of all levels who are looking for a semester class. I do have some juniors but mainly it’s seniors. I do think if you’re interested in the news or you want to know more about what’s going on in the world, you’re a perfect student for this class” added Henry.

Many lessons can be taken away from a class with such diversity of opinion.

“I learned to respect and listen to opposing opinions and ideas from mine. It was really a humbling experience where I realized that my opinion is not the only “correct” way to view certain situations” reflected senior Kayleigh Macfarlan.

Taking this class has had a positive impact on how students view their community, nation, and world.

“I take away the importance of giving back to my community. It can sometimes feel challenging to spread positivity in a world that can seem so negative because of the news we watch about events happening all around the world,” added Macfarlan.

Macfarlan has a few words of advice for students wanting to take this class.

“Remain open minded and definitely speak your mind and share your ideas because you won’t only learn from your peers and teachers, but also learn a lot about yourself.”