History
History
History majors start out by taking foundational courses that provide a basis in United States, European and global history. Upper-level courses give students the freedom to take classes on topics that range from ancient Egypt to traditional Russia to American legal history. Students are advised by a talented group of historians who emphasize independent, critical thinking.
Meet Dr. Mark Byrnes
Dr. Mark Byrnes, professor of history, teaches courses on U.S. history, particularly post-Civil War American politics and diplomacy. His recent book, “Radio and the Great Debate over U.S. Involvement in World War II,” looks at the relationship between U.S. foreign policy and radio and how that time period shaped media coverage of political discourse.
Meet Breelyn Grooms ’25
Breelyn Grooms double majored in history and biology. She is attending the University of Chicago to complete a master’s in Middle Eastern studies, with a specialization in ancient Egyptian history. While at Wofford, she traveled to Egypt and Greece; completed an independent study under Dr. Jessica Tomkins, assistant professor of history; and participated in avian research for two summers with Dr. Lori Cruze, associate professor of biology.
The Lewis P. Jones Visiting Professorship:
Each spring, the department brings a distinguished historian to the college to teach, give public lectures and mentor history majors. Previous Jones professors have included a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, a past president of the American Historical Association, a Guggenheim Fellow and a recipient of a U.S. National Book Award for Nonfiction.
History majors have had great success in the following careers:
Business
Editing and publishing
Information systems
Journalism
Law
Marketing
Medicine
Museum and archival work
Public relations