Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating Students in PreSchool through Grade 12
Educating Students in PreSchool through Grade 12
Upper School Courses 24-25
New Upper School Courses 2024-2025
L151 Italian I: This is an introductory course that doesn’t require any previous background. The students learn essential vocabulary for daily life, including their identities, families, schools, communities, and holidays, as well as their preferences in food and leisure activities. They use class routines, visuals, and many scaffolding strategies to facilitate a natural introduction to the language. The goal is to make students feel confident speaking Italian and familiarize them with the sounds of this language. Conversational Italian is the goal and communicative activities play a large part in this course. Students take different assessments in areas such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Cultural topics are also included in each unit. (1 credit, full year)
E457 Literature of the Holocaust: This course will focus on the study of memoirs, testimonials, and fiction which express the literary and moral history of this event. Whenever possible, we will explore more than one discipline: history, theology, and psychology through secondary readings, outside speakers, movies, and documentaries. We will consider the age-old question of what it means to be human and how, in the darkest circumstances, as people struggle to survive, many are able to cling to hope and proclaim their humanity. Works of Nir, Levi, Delbo, Fink, Applefeld, Hillesum, Ozick, and Weisenthal are featured. Videos and testimonials from Yale Holocaust Archives and talks by survivors are also integral elements of the course. (.5 credit, yearlong)
S248 Astronomy: Contrary to popular opinion, the very first profession was that of astronomer whose first job was to produce a reliable calendar. People wanted to know when the nearby river would flood to get out of the way, to know when to plant, to harvest crops, to avoid losing them to frost damage, to know how to navigate at sea and at night, and to know when to celebrate their holidays. This course will begin with the history of astronomy including such topics as why there are seven days in the week and will separate that history into the naked-eye, telescope, and satellite eras. Next, we will focus on the planets, starting with the nearest example: the Earth. We will fill out a fact sheet on each planet and examine it for patterns: four inner rocky worlds and four outer giant gas balls. We will propose and test what factors enable a planet to create a magnetic field and to hold onto an atmosphere. Finally, we will study Pluto and ask if there are planets beyond it. (.5 credit, yearlong)
AP Human Geography: This course explores how humans have understood, used, and changed the surface of the Earth. Students will acquire and hone tools of critical thinking and analytical writing. The course examines the processes of geographers to examine patterns of human population, migration, and land use. Students will learn how to connect geographic concepts and processes to real-life scenarios and understand how to interpret data from maps, charts, graphs, images, etc. The course will also teach students to identify patterns and trends in data and visual sources to understand spatial relationships using geographic scales.
L151 Italian I: This is an introductory course that doesn’t require any previous background. The students learn essential vocabulary for daily life, including their identities, families, schools, communities, and holidays, as well as their preferences in food and leisure activities. They use class routines, visuals, and many scaffolding strategies to facilitate a natural introduction to the language. The goal is to make students feel confident speaking Italian and familiarize them with the sounds of this language. Conversational Italian is the goal and communicative activities play a large part in this course. Students take different assessments in areas such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Cultural topics are also included in each unit. (1 credit, full year)
E457 Literature of the Holocaust: This course will focus on the study of memoirs, testimonials, and fiction which express the literary and moral history of this event. Whenever possible, we will explore more than one discipline: history, theology, and psychology through secondary readings, outside speakers, movies, and documentaries. We will consider the age-old question of what it means to be human and how, in the darkest circumstances, as people struggle to survive, many are able to cling to hope and proclaim their humanity. Works of Nir, Levi, Delbo, Fink, Applefeld, Hillesum, Ozick, and Weisenthal are featured. Videos and testimonials from Yale Holocaust Archives and talks by survivors are also integral elements of the course. (.5 credit, yearlong)
S248 Astronomy: Contrary to popular opinion, the very first profession was that of astronomer whose first job was to produce a reliable calendar. People wanted to know when the nearby river would flood to get out of the way, to know when to plant, to harvest crops, to avoid losing them to frost damage, to know how to navigate at sea and at night, and to know when to celebrate their holidays. This course will begin with the history of astronomy including such topics as why there are seven days in the week and will separate that history into the naked-eye, telescope, and satellite eras. Next, we will focus on the planets, starting with the nearest example: the Earth. We will fill out a fact sheet on each planet and examine it for patterns: four inner rocky worlds and four outer giant gas balls. We will propose and test what factors enable a planet to create a magnetic field and to hold onto an atmosphere. Finally, we will study Pluto and ask if there are planets beyond it. (.5 credit, yearlong)
AP Human Geography: This course explores how humans have understood, used, and changed the surface of the Earth. Students will acquire and hone tools of critical thinking and analytical writing. The course examines the processes of geographers to examine patterns of human population, migration, and land use. Students will learn how to connect geographic concepts and processes to real-life scenarios and understand how to interpret data from maps, charts, graphs, images, etc. The course will also teach students to identify patterns and trends in data and visual sources to understand spatial relationships using geographic scales.
CS131 Engineering and Design: In this course, students will develop key design, prototyping, and fabrication skills while working on student-led creative projects in our MakerSpace. Students will practice the art of bringing ideas to life while taking the lead in creating and managing their own projects. Creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking are at the heart of this course. A strong emphasis is placed on the design process, guiding students through ideation, concept development, iteration, and evaluation. (.5 credit, yearlong)
CS231 Computer Theory and Engineering: This course will provide students with a broad understanding of the fundamental principles that govern the world of computing. The curriculum will delve into both the theoretical and practical underpinnings of information, logic, and computation. Students will learn the history of computers, tracing the rapid evolution of information technology through the past century. This course covers crucial topics such as Turing completeness, binary systems, algorithms, complexity, and cryptography. Hands-on exploration will include the creation and testing of digital circuits using breadboards. As the year advances, the course will introduce students to the cutting-edge fields of quantum information and quantum computing, providing a glimpse into the future of computation and its potential to reshape the technological landscape. Prerequisite: Completion of Geometry and strong performance in Mathematics (.5 credit, yearlong)
CS331 Design Thinking: Small Business: How do you launch your business idea, start up your nonprofit, or bring a great innovation to the market? In this course, students will create a business plan, work out a budget, research, and move forward with their ideas using the principles of design thinking. Students will be encouraged to grapple with all aspects of entrepreneurship — diving into the power of artificial intelligence, web design applications, domain names, Google resources, financial software, and spreadsheets. By the end of this course, participants will have gained a deep appreciation for the power of design thinking as a catalyst for innovation and problem-solving within the unique context of small businesses. (.5 credit, yearlong)
CS461 Logic and Number Theory (Honors): This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of logic and number theory. Logic is the study of reasoning and argumentation, while number theory explores the properties and relationships of integers. The course aims to develop students’ critical thinking skills through the application of logical and mathematical reasoning. This course provides a solid foundation for further studies in mathematics, computer science, and related fields. Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra IIH or Pre-Calculus (.5 credit, first semester)
CS462 Computer Science with Python (Honors): This course serves as an introduction to the field of computer science using the Python programming language. Students will learn the basics of programming, algorithmic thinking, and problem-solving. This course aims to equip students with foundational computer science knowledge and practical programming skills, preparing them for further studies in computer science or related fields. Through engaging and interactive learning experiences, students will gain confidence in their ability to solve problems and create with technology. Taking Introduction to Logic and Number Theory prior is encouraged but not required. Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra II or Pre-Calculus (.5 credit, second semester).
1108 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
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.
