The Upper School history and social sciences curriculum is based on the belief that Harpeth Hall students need a basic understanding of how humanity has tried to establish a stable government, economic well-being, and social justice. All students are required to take three years of history: World Cultures (9th), Modern World History (10th), and United States History (11th). A variety of one-semester and full-year electives are also offered for 10th through 12th grade. It is the goal of the department to develop a sequence of skills that builds progressively from 9th through 12th grades. Students are expected to master reading, writing, and research skills that are appropriate for their level of intellectual development. Moreover, they learn to approach the material as historians and social scientists, with the goal of honing their ability to think and read with a critical eye.