Parents and Guardians Explore Upper School Social Sciences at TAS

The Taipei American School Upper School recently hosted an engaging Parent & Guardian event to highlight the Social Sciences programs and classes available to students. Facilitated by Darby Sinclair, Head of the Upper School Social Sciences Department, the morning event provided attendees with a detailed overview of the department's offerings and the innovative ways TAS fosters critical thinking, global citizenship, and leadership. 

The event kicked off with an introduction from Ms. Sinclair, who showcased a remarkable 60% increase in students taking Social Sciences courses over the past three years. She explained that this growth reflects TAS’s commitment to equipping students with essential skills for success in college, careers, and life. “Our goal for the gathering was to invite parents and guardians to step into a student's shoes, engaging in media literacy, research processes, metacognition, and civic engagement to deepen their connection to the learning process,” Sinclair shared. 

Parents and guardians were introduced to the Social Sciences faculty and explored an array of programs and classes designed to ignite curiosity and encourage a deeper understanding of the world. Classes like Psychology, Theory of Knowledge, and Honors American Law, as well as extracurricular programs such as Model United Nations and Speech & Debate, help students explore human behavior and social dynamics. From analyzing global events to examining cultural dynamics at local and international levels, TAS’s Social Sciences curriculum fosters empathy, collaboration, and leadership skills. 

One highlight of the presentation was the announcement of the relaunch of the TAS Scholar in Residence (SIR) Program. The spring semester’s SIR will be Dr. Jacob Soll, a University of Southern California professor and award-winning scholar. Dr. Soll, a MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient and Guggenheim Fellow, is a regular contributor to global publications and brings a wealth of expertise to TAS. 

Following Ms. Sinclair’s presentation, attendees engaged in small group discussions at four themed tables, each focused on faculty members' areas of expertise. This interactive format allowed parents and guardians to connect directly with teachers and gain valuable insights into how TAS prepares students for an ever-changing world. 

By fostering critical thinking, empathy, and civic engagement, the TAS Social Sciences Department empowers students to become tomorrow’s engaged and insightful leaders. Attendees left the event with a renewed appreciation for the depth and breadth of the curriculum, which reflects TAS’s mission of preparing students to succeed and lead in a complex, interconnected world.