Academics
Curriculum
History & Social Sciences
The History and Social Sciences department grounds students in the foundations of the human experience. The curriculum has been broadly designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of important issues and ideas. These range from those that have influenced the past, to those that currently affect our global community, to those that may presently directly touch our diverse perspectives, to those that will bear witness in the future. Furthermore, the department seeks to challenge, encourage, and support students so that they grow in their breadth and depth of curiosity and knowledge; their skills in finding, verifying, and using information; and in their ability to think, write, and speak with clarity and persuasiveness.
Finally, the department actively supports Chatham Hall’s mission by promoting thoughtful, active citizenship, empathy, dialogue, and entrepreneurship. “Every student,” writes Professor Mark Edmundson, “who has broken through and begun to think will one day be part of a citizenry that is less susceptible to likes and evasions than it might have been without [her]…the soul who thinks individually is the braking mechanism on a vehicle that will, all too often, merrily drive itself over the cliff…” The department, in every instance, encourages this spirit of active engagement and exploration of students’ passions. A devoted faculty strives to support each individual student as she strives to make sense of herself and the world and to find her voice.
Finally, the department actively supports Chatham Hall’s mission by promoting thoughtful, active citizenship, empathy, dialogue, and entrepreneurship. “Every student,” writes Professor Mark Edmundson, “who has broken through and begun to think will one day be part of a citizenry that is less susceptible to likes and evasions than it might have been without [her]…the soul who thinks individually is the braking mechanism on a vehicle that will, all too often, merrily drive itself over the cliff…” The department, in every instance, encourages this spirit of active engagement and exploration of students’ passions. A devoted faculty strives to support each individual student as she strives to make sense of herself and the world and to find her voice.
1
/
7
.
Within the departmental course offerings, skills and competencies are developed sequentially, beginning with oral presentation and short research projects for freshmen. Sophomores and juniors build on their historical thinking and writing skills as they explore and connect the issues of past and contemporary societies. Additionally, students have the opportunity to explore world religions while asking how the practices of various faiths could strengthen their spiritual identity. The senior year Ethics Research Seminar and Global Scholars Capstone represent the apex of the coordinated skills-building effort. The Chatham Hall Journey involves honing an essential question, finding reliable and relevant evidence, writing in an academic style, and defending one’s argument.
History Department Chair
List of 1 members.
-
John Kingery
History Department Chair; Director of Global Scholars; History Teacher; Musical Co-DirectorRead Bio
The history and social sciences curriculum is designed to help you appreciate and understand the global community in which you live, as well as the diversity of the American culture and heritage.
Not only will you learn about the challenges and complexity of recording and interpreting history, but you will also learn to examine assumptions, biases, and hypotheses in your sources. By studying the past, you’ll be preparing to lead in the future.
Not only will you learn about the challenges and complexity of recording and interpreting history, but you will also learn to examine assumptions, biases, and hypotheses in your sources. By studying the past, you’ll be preparing to lead in the future.
History & Social Sciences Courses
Ethics Research Seminar
European History
Global Entrepreneurship Year I & II
Global Scholars Certificate Program Capstone
Human Geography
Human Geography
International Relations
Music of Western Europe
Music of Western Europe
Psychology
Social Studies for International Students
U.S. History: Foundations
U.S. History: History by Hollywood - U.S. History Through Film
U.S. History: The Long Road to Civil Rights
U.S. History: Boom to Bust to Boom: U.S. History from 1918-1969
U.S. History: Boom to Bust to Boom: U.S. History from 1918-1969
Advanced U.S. History
World History
Advanced World History
Advanced World History
World Religions
Program Highlights
-
Courses are taught as an active investigation and application of skills, not simply as the study of facts.
-
The curriculum emphasizes diverse and often overlooked perspectives.
-
Topics consistently connect to contemporary issues and the wider world.
.
List of 5 news stories.
-
Remembering September 11
Read MoreA Chapel of Courage, Community, and Reflection
-
Discovering a Credo
Read MoreChatham Hall Students Reflect Through Creedal Statements in World Religions Class
-
Expanding the Classroom
Read MoreAna G.C. ’26 at the CUGH Global Health Conference
-
Chatham Hall Students Showcase Signature Program Projects
Read MoreCuriosity in Action
-
Spring is the Time to Dig Deeper
Read MoreThe Class of 2029 at Red Hill
800 Chatham Hall Circle • Chatham, VA 24531
Main Phone
+1 434.432.2941
Admissions Contact
+1 434.432.5516 • admissions@chathamhall.org
Boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.
Main Phone
+1 434.432.2941
Admissions Contact
+1 434.432.5516 • admissions@chathamhall.org
Boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.
