Following the introduction of AP Human Geography for incoming freshmen last year, RUHS is now launching Ethnic Studies as a new option in the 9th grade curriculum. Ethnic Studies, offered to all incoming 9th graders, is offered as an alternative to English 9 and English 9 Honors. The course is “honors embedded,” which means students have the opportunity to earn honors credits if they meet the rubric requirement for the weighted grade.
Freshman Julia Fodelmesi expresses why she chose to take the class instead of English 9 Honors.
“I chose this class because I thought that I would learn a lot more new things than in honors, and I liked the benefit of it being honors embedded because it gives us a chance to get that option if we want it,” Fodelmesi said.
The class has offered its students a new perspective on what an English class can be, exploring immersive vocabulary and a historical perspective of the literature they are reading. Freshman De’Syre Miller depicts her experience in Ethnic studies in contrast to other English classes.
“You’re able to discuss different things and not be so focused on essays and writing about one certain thing,” Miller said.
In contrast to most California English classes where the reading list usually consists of classic authors, Ethnic Studies has allowed students a variety of diverse authors who write about overlooked topics. English 9 Honors & Ethnic Studies teacher Jessica Variz notes the importance of the literature that students have the opportunity to read while in the class.
“The point is to center writers from marginalized communities, so we are very intentional of the works we are bringing into our room, and in what ways are the stories and authors we are bringing in reflecting the people in our room,” Variz said.
Miller feels that the commonly disregarded topics these authors highlight in their writings is an important aspect to the overall learning environment of the Ethnic Studies class.
“I like being able to have those difficult conversations that regular English classes or honors English classes don’t have. It’s a very open classroom so I get to experience and learn different perspectives,” Miller said.
AP Literature and Composition and Ethnic Studies teacher Kitaro Takesue, who piloted the course at Santa Monica High School, emphasizes the need for the class at Redondo Union.
“Students have been clamoring for this for as long as I’ve been in this district. They are so excited to read the stories of diverse cultures and groups that they are a part of and that they are living with. This course is finally reflecting the rich diversity of our community,” Takesue said.
The class has also built a safe space for all students as well as a community through learning and respect.
“We did a community circle, where we all brought an item and shared a little bit about ourselves and some highs and lows so far in the school year, we were able to share a side that many people might not see. I liked learning about everyone and to see who’s around me,” Fodelmesi said.
Beginning next year, all incoming 9th graders will partake in the class, as the class will incorporate both the English 9 and English 9 Honors curriculum. Miller recommends students take the class and learn how to have vulnerable conversations.
“It doesn’t get better than having an open, difficult conversation without feeling judged,” Miller said. “It’s better to be able to talk about those things in life because not everything is an easy conversation.”