This course gives students the foundational tools used throughout the Global Leadership Institute. Students will learn about the model of ethical servant-leadership. Additionally, students will become aware of their own individual strengths and weaknesses. Exposure to each of the Global Leadership pathway s (business and law) will allow students to explore which areas they are most interested in. Outstanding guest speakers will provide real-world leadership examples.

This course introduces the United States Constitution. Topics to be covered include constitutional interpretation, the function of judicial review, the role of the states and the federal government in the federal structure, and the allocation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Students will learn how to apply the law to practical scenarios. The class will feature guest speakers such as lawyers and judges, along with a field trip to the California Supreme Court to watch oral arguments.

This course explores the discipline of entrepreneurship with the goal of students launching their own group startups. Students will learn business model development, design thinking, customer discovery, product-market validation, in- depth industry and market analysis, product or service innovation, brand development and go -to-market strategies, financing, and legal considerations; while also acquiring soft skills in communication, leadership, and character development.

This course introduces the students to a variety of styles of public speaking and formal debate. Through research and practice students will become familiar with these styles through instruction, research, and practice. Each unit will culminate in performance assignments that require students to demonstrate their abilities within the classroom setting. Opportunities to take their knowledge to competition at the local and state level will be made available to students.

Students focus on two of Gardner’s multiple intelligences: intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligence. A significant portion of the course involves understanding the “Big Five” personality traits. Students develop intrapersonal intelligence by thoughtfully reflecting on their own personal virtues and faults. Interpersonal skills are developed through team building exercises that explore group dynamics. Additionally, students develop public speaking skills, specifically with three types of speeches: introductory, informative, and persuasive. The final assessment will be a TED-style speech. 

This course will inform students how individual choices directly influence occupational goals and future earnings potential. Real world topics covered will include income, money management, spending and credit, as well as saving and investing. Students will design personal and household budgets utilizing checking and saving accounts, gain knowledge in finance, debt and credit management, and evaluate and understand insurance and taxes. This course will provide a foundational understanding for making informed personal financial decisions leading to financial independence.

This course serves as an introductory course to the three major components of strategy: competitive strategy, corporate strategy, and global strategy. This course involves several different types of class sessions. Specifically, students discuss cases and (occasionally HBR-style articles), engage with guest speakers from industry, and bring in current topics in strategy from the business press. Unique to this class, students are taught using the case study method and Socratic teaching techniques.

In this course, students will understand the difference between saving and investing and when to use each strategy. They will explain how compound interest works, its benefits to savers and how to calculate it. Students will understand the concept of inflation and how it impacts an individual’s investment decisions. Students will learn about asset classes and the risk and return associated with each. Specific topics will include an introduction to the stock market, bond investing, investment strategies, and retirement investments. Unique to this course, students will have the opportunity to manage a real OCS endowment portfolio.

This course focuses on building intercultural competence in leadership with a global perspective on complex social issues. This course is most suitable for juniors and seniors, who are intentionally thinking about studying political science, international development, or international relations in college. Priority is given to students that are part of the Institute for Global Leadership.

Students must take both economic courses throughout one school year. Semester only enrollments are not allowed.

AP Microeconomics:

An introductory college-level course that focuses on the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual economic decision-makers. The course also develops students’ familiarity with the operation of product and factor markets, distributions of income, market failure, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.

AP Macroeconomics:

An introductory college-level course that focuses on the principles that apply to an economic system as a whole. The course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination; it also develops students’ familiarity with economic performance measures, the financial sector, stabilization policies, economic growth, and international economics. Students learn to use graphs, charts, and data to analyze, describe, and explain economic concepts. A high performance on the AP Exam may earn student college credit.

AP Comparative Government and Politics introduces students to the rich diversity of political life outside the United States. The course uses a comparative approach to examine the political structures; policies; and political, economic, and social challenges of six selected countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Students compare the effectiveness of approaches to many global issues by examining how different governments solve similar problems. They will also engage in disciplinary practices that require them to read and interpret data, make comparisons and applications, and develop evidence -based arguments

The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. A high performance on the AP Exam may earn student college credit.

The capstone course is a student-directed self-study project where students work with teachers and mentors in relevant fields on a learning experience, aimed at a SMART (specific and strategic, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and time-bound) goal. Students are challenged to design and create their own learning experience by pursuing an area of interest. Teachers provide student-centered guidance and support. At the conclusion of the experience, students will present their results in our signature OCS Global Leadership Summit.