The Social Science department reflects Loomis Chaffee’s longstanding commitment to giving its students meaningful opportunities to understand how society works — why people make the decisions they do, along with the consequences of those decisions — on an individual level and in groups. Human development and behavior, social and governmental structure, cultural patterns and economic systems are all examined to give students deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Classes will expand student viewpoints, teach multiple perspectives, and prepare them to engage and think critically about themselves and the economic, political, and social institutions that influence their lives.
This department offers a number of electives that will meet the Philosophy, Psychology, and Religious Studies diploma requirement; all students must take two term courses in any of these three disciplines, at least one of which must be taken during the junior or senior year. Philosophy and Religious Studies courses are listed under the History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies Department.
On Wednesday, May 29, Economics teachers Liz Leyden and Mat DeNunzio took 20 sophomores and juniors on an experiential learning trip to New York City to tour two companies with products and structures very different from one another.
The History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Social Science Department honored the academic achievements of students across all class years at a ceremony in Katharine Brush Library on Monday, May 13.
Emily Esfahani Smith, author of The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters, presented a book talk on Monday, February 11, in Gilchrist Auditorium.