This piece is the second in a two-part series on underground courses at CHS. Read the first part here.
As students prepare to finalize their schedules for next year, many will scroll through Skyward trying to find the right mix of core requirements and electives. But tucked away among the long list of options is a class that offers something very different from the typical high school history experience: Special Topics in Social Studies, a two-semester course taught dives deep into modern genocides and American history through film.
Each semester covers a completely different subject. The fall focuses on Modern Genocides, examining the historical, political and human stories behind some of the most difficult events in modern history. The spring turns to American History Through Film, studying how movies reflect and shape the nation’s understanding of war, culture and identity. Despite the course’s unique approach, enrollment isn’t as high as it could be — often because of scheduling conflicts and misconceptions.
“There’s so many requirements that people have to fill,” Special Topics: Genocide and History Through Film teacher Tara McMartin said. “Sometimes students can’t take both semesters because they have to take speech or another required course.”
Even when students are interested, finding the class can be a challenge.
“A lot of people have a hard time finding the course number in the enrollment system,” McMartin said. “Even if you want to take the course but can’t find it, that’s an issue.”
However, the biggest obstacle might be misunderstanding what the class really is.
“When people find out that Special Topics in the fall is a study of modern genocides, they get scared of it because it sounds dark,” McMartin said. “But it’s actually a very insightful course. We work at a very discussion-based level, kind of like a college class.”
Students who take it often walk away calling it one of the most impactful courses of their high school careers.
“It ends up being one of their favorite courses,” McMartin said. “A lot of students come out of it saying it’s very eye-opening, nothing like they’ve ever had before.”
Senior Ibrahim Mohammed said he was drawn to the course because of his longtime fascination with history and the strong recommendations he heard from others.
“My sister took Genocide and told me it was one of the most genuinely educational classes she’s ever taken,” Mohammed said. “That sounded really interesting, and for History Through Film, who wouldn’t want a class where you watch movies all day?”
Watching emotionally powerful films left a deep impression on Mohammed.
“Movies like Schindler’s List really did change my perception of major historical genocides,” Mohammed said. “Presenting it cinematically and so brutally forces you to accept its realities — it’s different because historical films are designed to impact you, whereas textbooks are just words.”
For junior Shoumili Chowdhury, the course connects to both personal history and academic curiosity.
“With my family having a history of enduring genocide, I felt like this class could teach me more about myself,” Chowdhury said. “But even beyond that, it explores international law, something I want to study in the future.”
For juniors and seniors who’ve already completed their core history credits, Special Topics offers a chance to explore real-world issues and think globally.
“It’s very much about world happenings, current events, and the histories behind them,” McMartin said. “Students are missing out on a lot of really relevant stuff if they don’t take it.”
The course has left a mark on students beyond the classroom. Every year, several students go on to major in International Relations or Political Science after taking Special Topics, McMartin said.
“This class forces you to question your own morals and empathy by talking about real issues,” Chowdhury said. “It’s a good class for everyone. Everyone in my class has gained something.”
The class also bridges a crucial gap between high school and college learning. Through discussions and analyses, it challenges students to think critically, not just memorize facts.
“Word of mouth is really important,” McMartin said. “If you have someone who’s taken the course already and they talk about it, that’s when they get their friends involved.”
As course selection opens this semester, students searching for something fresh and thought-provoking might want to scroll a little more slowly through Skyward, because Special Topics in Social Studies offers more than just another credit. It offers perspective, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world today.
“Most history classes do not ask us to confront abstract questions about humanity,” Mohammed said. “This one definitely does. It’ll teach you more about mankind than any history class.”
