Wilson International Studies Program (WISP)

Wilson's International Studies Program -- or WISP -- is one of seven academies at Jackson-Reed providing smaller learning communities for our students. The main goals of the academy include:

Recognizing and understanding the cultural differences and similarities of people around the world.
Appreciating the impact world affairs have on students and their families.
Developing an appreciation of the interdependence of countries and cultures in a world society.
Understanding the nature of ecological, technological, and economic interdependence.
Gaining an awareness of careers related to international affairs.

WISP has multiple activities. Please contact the lead teacher, Robert Geremia for more information.

Model UN Club

Meets every Wednesday at STEP in Room 205. This is an educational simulation and academic competition in which students learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations. The club involves and teaches research, public speaking, debating, and writing skills, in addition to critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities. Participants in Model UN conferences, referred to as delegates, are placed in committees and assigned countries, or occasionally other organizations or political figures, to represent. They are presented with their assignments in advance, along with a topic or topics that their committee will discuss. Delegates conduct research before conferences and formulate positions that they will then debate with their fellow delegates in committee. Members have the option of participating in one or more conferences throughout the year.

Harvard Model Congress (HMC)

This is the largest congressional simulation conference in the world, providing high school students with an opportunity to experience American government firsthand. Although it is run entirely by Harvard undergraduates, it is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is operated independently of the university. Club members have the option of participating in the annual conference held in downtown Boston in February to discuss the most pressing and important issues facing the nation as they assume roles in each of the three branches of the United States government through diverse programs, ranging from committees in the House of Representatives, Senate, and Supreme Court, to special programs such as press, lobbyists, and the National Security Council.

WISP Speaker Series

Human Rights Club

Other Clubs

In addition to WISP-specific clubs, WISP teachers and students often partner with the Jackson-Reed Language Department and its associated clubs. Please contact the lead teacher for more information.

Chinese Club: TBD
French Club anna.foxen@k12.dc.gov or lynn.palmer@k12.dc.gov
Spanish Club amy.wopat@k12.dc.gov

Students are encouraged to start additional clubs or activities that meet their interests.

International Night

In addition to amazing student performances in the auditorium, we will have food and cultural/country presentations from the various WISP related classes in the atrium. We are looking for the Jackson-Reed community to donate food representing the many countries and cultures represented by our students. If you can help by bringing food, setting up, or cleaning up, please contact Mr. Geremia.

Parent Engagement

Please contact Robert Geremia for any of the items below – we welcome and encourage parent participation!

As part of required coursework this spring, WISP is looking for speakers to discuss current events with students in both our Latin American and Middle Eastern studies classes. Possible topics could include immigration, the economy, political structure of a particular country, etc.

WISP also hosts a Career Talk Series every other Tuesday during STEP. These informal conversations are meant to be a dialogue between the students and the speaker. We are particularly interested in people whose careers bridge international issues with science, the arts, politics, business, journalism or another field. It¹s a great opportunity for you to share insights, discuss your own career path, and explain the latest developments in your field.

Course Requirements

WISP requires all students to complete at least Level 4 of one foreign language and must complete 2 years of this language study at Wilson. All WISP students are strongly encouraged to go beyond level 4 to take an Advanced Placement language class. It is also suggested ALL students attend two speaker series talks per quarter, help work on international night, and participate in a WISP club or WISP-related language club.

Grade 9

World Language (1 credit)

Grade 10

World Language (1 credit)
AP Human Geography (HQ1, 1.0 credits). This Social Studies course follows the College Board curriculum and utilizes case studies primarily from Africa and Asia. This course is taught with college-level texts, and preparation for the AP test will be a goal of the course. More information on this course can be found at https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-human-geography. (1 credit)
If available, Asian Studies (HE6, 0.5 credits) OR African Studies (HE3, 0.5 credits).

Grade 11

World Language, 1.0 credit
Model UN (HF6, 0.5 credits). This Social Studies course develops an understanding of international issues from the perspective of people in other countries. It examines the political, social, and economic systems of various nations and regions of the world. This course will require students to demonstrate an appreciation of various ethnicities and international cultural groups.
Students must also choose one of the two classes below if available:
- Latin American Studies (HF2, 0.5 credits). This course will explore current understandings of Latin America and challenge those notions. The course will begin with an examination of the geography of Latin America and an exploration of the natural elements that define the space. Relevant pre-colonial history will be analyzed to give students necessary background and context for future discussion. Key political, economic, social, and cultural developments occurring throughout Latin America since independence will make-up the bulk of the course of study. Major themes of discussion include: race and citizenship, inequality and economic development, politics and rights, social and cultural movements, globalization, and violence and civil society. Case studies will be used to explore relevant country examples and set major themes in specific context.
- Middle Eastern Studies (HF5, 0.5 credits). This Social Studies course examines the history, politics, culture, religion, economics, and current events of three major regions of the Middle East, including the Near East, North Africa, and the Arabian Gulf. Students will be able to understand and appreciate the distinct historical and cultural traditions that developed in each region.

Grade 12

World Language (1.0 credit). WISP students must complete up to Level 4 of the same foreign language with at least 2 years of this study at Wilson. All WISP students are strongly encouraged to go beyond Level 4 to take an Advanced Placement language class. (1 credit)
AP US Government (HQ3, 1.0 credits). Study includes general concepts used to interpret United States politics, as well as an examination of the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that make up American politics. Focus is given to analysis of historical materials--their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and their importance. Students will develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format. More information on this course can be found at https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-united-states-government-and-politics. (1 credit)
AP Comparative Government (HQ4, 1.0 credits). This Social Studies course gives students a critical perspective on politics and government. It is taught with college-level texts, and preparation for the AP test will be an integral part of the course. Students will learn to assess historical materials--their relevance to a given interpretive problem, their reliability, and their importance-- and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. The course will develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format. More information on this course can be found at https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-comparative-government-and-politics. (1 credit)

Jackson-Reed High School