Electives That Everyone Should Take

After reflecting on my four-year academic journey and collecting input from other seniors, I have compiled a list of courses that every Bush student should consider taking.

DISCLAIMER: Suggestions are somewhat limited to courses I have personally taken, though a few additional classes are included.

Additionally, Math and Science classes are not included, as I have taken very few of those electives. They also follow a tighter track and are (in my opinion) more closely tailored to specific interests.

Darwinian Revolution (HIS)

Learn about the revolutionary theories that shaped our current understanding of life as we know it. This is my favorite history class that I have ever taken. Ever. From myths and creation stories to natural selection and eugenics, this course explores how the revolutionary theories of Charles Darwin’s time shaped and reshaped scientific thinking and were “used and abused” by scientists, religious figures, and ordinary people. One of my favorite lessons explored the history of scientific racism (e.g., eugenics, craniometry, polygenism), grappling with ethics and morals as we viewed historically validated scientific theories through a contemporary lens. Darwinian Revolution provokes incredibly thoughtful and engaging class discussions as students try to wrap their heads around the wondrous and absurd scientific theories that died off… or persist today. Also, for all you college try-hards, it’s modeled after a Harvard history class.

Civics: Understanding Our Rights (HIS)

Learn about your country, government, and rights. What is your Third Amendment right? What’s the difference between the Senate and the House of Representatives? Can the Bush School legally restrict student speech? I admittedly could not answer a single one of these questions before I took Civics. How embarrassing. As a United States resident, you should have a firm grasp of your rights, the government structure, and how to effectively navigate the messy world of polarized politics. In this course, students explore the government structure inside and out, learn the history and reasoning behind life-changing national laws, and research current Supreme Court cases that affect all of us today (including a field trip to meet a real District Court judge). Civics teaches fundamental and necessary knowledge that no core history class comes close to.

Marxism and Its Legacy (HIS)

Learn the true meaning behind this mysterious theory that everyone is so obsessed with. Taking a class on Marxism is useful because it’s referenced so often in both History and English electives. As Evan Zellers ‘26 pointed out, a classic humanities essay prompt is to “analyze this story or event through a Marxist lens,” except the majority of students lack a true understanding of what a Marxist lens actually means. Even now, I bet you’re wondering what this mysterious political Marxism ramble is all about. It is quite relevant to how the U.S. is structured, as Marxism theorizes that a capitalist society is just a stage on the way to communism. It may sound absurd, but it’s actually a pretty convincing argument. Wouldn’t you like to know how and why?

Essay (ENG)

Learn how to write about yourself. Nearly every single person will have to do this at some point in their life. In this class, you analyze personal essays written by published authors and dissect the structure, style, and techniques used to craft an effective narrative. Whether it’s for a resume, a college application, or a personal essay, the skills taught in this course will absolutely enhance your autobiographical writing ability and one day prove useful in the field.

Origins of Western Literature (ENG)

Learn how to drop the rigidity and actually enjoy class time. This course is specifically tailored to accommodate a certain group of people: squirrely little children with a lot of creativity and short attention spans. Entirely focused on Greek mythology, the class is designed to be highly interactive and incredibly entertaining. From performing skits and filming TikTok-esque videos to recreating The Odyssey through a medium of your choosing, I was never bored by this highly energetic and engaging curriculum. However, it’s only fun if you learn to package your insecurities and perform a silly skit for the entire class rather than sit in the corner and watch.

Creative Writing: Short Fiction or Satire (ENG)

Learn how to express ideas and address real-world issues through a creative medium. I recommend creative writing classes in general; these are just two specific examples that explore complex ideas (e.g., identity, fear, power, injustice) through imaginative storytelling. Through fictional and satirical lenses, students analyze what society views as “normal” and “other,” challenging real-world issues in a way that’s engaging and memorable. These courses build critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate ideas with impact so people will truly listen.

Data Science, Fundamentals of Computing, or Physical Computing & Engineering Design (CED)

Learn how to properly utilize technology and the tools associated with it. A.K.A. learn how to code, or at least become familiar with the basics. As society becomes increasingly more automated and technology-reliant, it is in your best interest to understand basic coding, data analysis, and machine functions and capabilities. Acquiring computing skills will enable you to tackle difficult problems and perform more tasks individually, enhancing your personal projects and making you a more valuable partner or employee. Honestly, in addition to coding and data, I highly recommend that you learn to properly utilize AI as a tool to automate simple tasks, boost the amount of labor that you can take on, and keep you competitive in the ever-shifting job market. Diving deeper into the world of technological tools will make you a more versatile, more valuable, and higher-capacity student, partner, and employee.

BONUS: New Classes That I Wish I Could Take

Contemporary American Conservatism (HIS)

Define “conservatism.” A large percentage of Seattle students may fail to accurately or neutrally describe the word, as a lack of exposure to political diversity can lead people to possess only a surface-level understanding of contemporary conservatism, often heavily influenced by social media, extremists, and the reality that we live in a blue bubble with little exposure to other political perspectives. I believe that to effectively navigate a politically polarized society, it is critical to examine and understand both parties to make the most highly informed decisions possible. The history between progressivism and conservatism is also fascinating, as the terms do not necessarily align with democrats and republicans respectively.

How to Build a Life: Personal Finance (CED)

Everyone should graduate high school with a basic understanding of how to manage their personal finances. How to “earn money, save money, manage money,” and avoid financial traps commonly targeted at teens and young adults. In this course, students will learn how our economy works, from investment and marketing strategies to taxes and inflation (because lowering taxes sounds great and all, but how does it actually work?). I highly recommend considering this class for a very similar reason to Civics: these are just things you should know to be a well-functioning member of society.

Foundations of Entrepreneurship (CED)

While countless fields and occupations become more automated with the growth of technology, there is one job that will always require human minds: solving problems. Eliminating world hunger might be a tall ask, but what about pens that smear ink because it takes too long to dry? Or oddly shaped desks that are clever in theory, but too geometrically complicated for the average high school class to arrange effectively? These are highly solvable problems that no one has successfully tackled yet. Maybe you can be the next great entrepreneur to resolve a widespread frustration for everyone involved.