Curriculum Detail

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History

The history department encourages students to become active, lifelong learners and perceptive observers of the human condition.  Students are taught to become critical, historical thinkers and to investigate essential and pertinent questions that constitute the foundation of this discipline.  We also train students to successfully articulate their ideas through writing and speaking, and we strongly believe that engagement inside and outside of the classroom are essential tools to build firm foundations of knowledge and good citizenship. 
  • History 7

    History 7 is a study of 20th­ century America that provides students with an understanding of how the United States became the primary superpower of the modern world. Students delve into pivotal political, economic, and social developments of the century, gaining an appreciation for the struggles and advancements of the time. They make use of the vast variety of primary sources and multimedia material available to examine the forces which have shaped the modern United States, as well as the lives of their own extended families. Though course content is important, great emphasis is placed on the development of sound study habits and basic cognitive skills such as comprehension, communication, and listening skills. Moreover, the fundamentals of constructing sound historical writing are also stressed. Ultimately, we seek to stimulate curiosity and help students achieve a funda­mental understanding of our modern society and culture, as well as our involvement as a leader in world affairs.
  • History 8

    History 8 is a full-year course on government and civics and introduces students to the historical idea of "human rights" from earliest times until today using such important documents as the English Magna Carta, the American Bill of Rights, and the United Nations' Declaration of Human Rights. Through research, critical thinking, analysis, and, most importantly, action, students will be encouraged to exercise their own voices in support of their beliefs in this academic skills-oriented course.

Faculty

Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.