Jin Jones is a senior in CAS and is taking Berkeley Experiential Senior Transition (BEST) History taught by Bill Pratt. He believes he has learned very useful information in general from the class, including information that aids in his understanding of the world outside of the classroom. “It’s taught me so much about the political and economic state of the world right now (and) it’s very relevant,” Jones said.
Cassian Evans, a junior at BHS, is taking African American History taught by Jumari Callaway. “Because it’s AfAm history, it is a bunch of things that I’ve never actually learned before. It’s a different point of view (on) the history that’s usually taught,” Evans said. Lessons in the class range from media forms such as videos and historical movies to informational slideshows along with notetakers.
Naomi Fogelman is a BHS junior in AP U.S. History taught by Kelly Boylan. She strongly feels that she has learned a lot of useful information in her history class that increases her commitment to civic engagement. “Even though the history of our country is not very good (and) it is messed up, I think it is important to know, especially now that I am turning 18 and voting,” Fogelman said.
Kingston James is a BHS freshman taking Ethnic Studies/Social Living taught by Alexander Day. The class centers around social and political issues and incorporating the perspectives and influences of diverse cultural groups and individuals. “(The class teaches) me all the stuff I need to know, and (gives) me different lenses of the stuff we are learning, like the Black lens or the Eurocentric lens,” James said.