Spotlight On: SUNY Classes at Midwood

Mr. Eisenhardt’s class works on a social media campaign. Photo: Breana Saintfort

By BREANA SAINT-FORT

A new, simple pathway for college credit is now available in the school building. This year, Midwood is offering three classes associated with SUNY Albany: “Sociology,” “Classism, Sexism, and Racism,” and “Holocaust/Genocide.”

These are dual-enrollment classes where students simultaneously earn credit both in high school and at some SUNY colleges.

Sociology is open to mostly humanities students. Mr. Christopher Eisenhardt is currently teaching the course, which prompts students to explore and critique society in both historical and contemporary contexts. 

“I found out a way to help kids connect with the real world that would help them advance in life without them realizing,” said Mr. Eisendhardt.

Students do a lot of note-taking, group work, and college-level assessments on social structures, economics, and cultural assimilation. They also have a project where they work on a social media campaign based on their research.

“I enjoyed the lessons on racism and ethnicity,” said Angelina Babovich ’25. “I just thought it was interesting. It reflects different perspectives and awareness of our society.”

As far as the workload goes, junior Rachel Jemmott said, “It’s not too hard; we don't get too much homework,” the class just mostly needs to “take notes and follow the lecture.”

“I think we have a good energy,” Mr. Eisendhardt said of his fifth period class.

Another SUNY elective class is the one-term (fall only) Classism, Sexism, and Racism, taught by Ms. Alyssa Smith. Students taking this course are mostly juniors and seniors.

Every Friday, Ms. Smith’s second-period class holds a current-event presentation led by students, which is followed by a question and discussion session.

“The workload is pretty structured and manageable,” said Savonnah Fuller ’25. ”If you're into social studies and history, you need to try this course.’’

Students in the course read lots of articles and complete research papers on real-world topics.

“One of my favorite topics is the prison system and how it can affect women of color,” said Guerla Pierre ’25.

Finally, we have the Holocaust/Genocide class, taught by Ms. Laura Gavenda. Also a fall semester course, it is open mostly to seniors and focuses on one of the darker aspects of human history. Last semester the class went on a field trip to the Holocaust museum in Manhattan. “It's all a story about tragedy and despair,” said Ms. Gavenda. 

If you are curious about how these classes — as well as Midwood’s various College Now offerings — work and how they would fit into your future, talk to your guidance counselor to see what might be available in the fall.