There is no way to get a complex and rich understanding of Asian history in its entirety in Seattle Public Schools and in the Advanced Placement line of classes. While a course like AP world history does cover certain periods in the continents time, Asia is simply one of many parts of the world that are covered, and therefore certain groups or events have to be cut out or skimmed over to make space.

Looking at the list of history courses in Seattle Public schools and CollegeBoard, we noticed a severe lack of history courses that cover this continent. Since kids have to take two history courses in middle school focused on the United States, and many schools in Seattle do not offer AP World History, there are only really three years where they are given a chance to learn about a continent with history this rich (those three years being the two world history classes, and possibly ethnic studies in sophomore year, which is also debatable as many kids take the AP instead).

By making a new class entirely focused around this continent, SPS students will get to learn more about history they are likely only aware of, such as Babylon, the Song dynasty, the Mongol conquests, the Vedic period, Ancient Damascus, etc. We believe that if History is to be taught with more diverse perspectives, why not allow students to learn history that is outside of what they are used to, instead of forcing them to take a millionth class about American Colonies and Civil War.