History
Who are we? Where did we come from? Where are we going? As a history major at Rollins, you’ll explore these pressing questions as you learn to think critically, write persuasively, and make connections between the past and the present. Our history majors don’t just graduate with a degree—they graduate with a deep understanding of the historical antecedents that shape our world today.
Through a curriculum designed to introduce students to a variety of perspectives in and outside the classroom, you’ll investigate an array of geographic regions, identify and pursue your passions, and forge lifelong relationships on campus, in our community, and around the world.
Why Study History at Rollins
Apply Your Knowledge
Our Applied History course requirement empowers majors to put their ideas to work in the world. This experience hones your historical knowledge in a range of real-world settings, from field studies to internships.
Collaborate with Experts
Every student has the opportunity to collaborate with our faculty on the kind of research typically reserved for grad school. Past projects have explored local history and resulted in publications.
Broaden Your Worldview
Rollins’ history curriculum is designed to expose you to a wide range of cultures across time and space. From ancient Rome to the communist China, you’ll learn how belief systems develop over time.
Interested in Studying History at Rollins?
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“The skills I learned as a history major at Rollins have proved to be an invaluable foundation to continuing my education in law school. The upper-level courses in particular helped prepare me for the amount of reading, writing, and critical thinking that would be necessary. Additionally, the ability to conduct research gave me a leg up when I spent a gap year working for a think tank on Capitol Hill.”
Rollins History Careers
Rollins history grads are making tomorrow happen at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions and innovative companies.
Sebastian Novak ’12
Associate, Classic Abstract LTD
Danielle Johnson ’16
Founder and Director of Operations, Guided MissDirection
Sydney Marshall ’16
Graduate Student and Teaching Assistant, Duke University
Matt St. Jean ’11
Sports Anchor, WTVA
TJ Holloway ’13
Campus Recruiting Project Manager, Point B
Samuel Toomey ’16
Associate, Brown Rudnick LLP
Real World Experience
From community engagement courses to internships and research, history students hone their skills in the real world.
See for Yourself
Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.
Popular Courses
Our history courses help shape you into a global citizen and prepare you for a wide variety of careers thanks to a focus on research, writing, and communicating ideas effectively to many audiences.
History of American Sexuality
Examine American sexuality from the Colonial Era to the present, tracing societal attitudes toward everything from contraception to prostitution.
Decade of Decision: 1920s
From flappers to gangsters, the 1920s was a period of contrasts. Explore the contradictions of the decade through the lens of science, technology, religion, and socioeconomics.
History of a City: Ancient Athens
Study this military, political, economic, and cultural powerhouse through an examination of the city and its place in the ancient world.
World War II
Examine German strategy and tactics and life under the Greater Reich and consider the German extermination of 6 million Jews, gypsies, and others in the greatest human tragedy of the 20th century.
Senior Capstone Course
Compile a portfolio that includes research papers, essay examinations, and critical essays, constructing an academic autobiography that traces your intellectual growth.
Mao and the Chinese Revolution
Explore the origins, development, and characteristics of the Chinese Communist Revolution with a focus on Mao Zedong’s role.
A Day in the Life of a Rollins History Major
“Taking classes with Dr. Claire Strom has truly changed my academic experience at Rollins. Her classes are fascinating and challenging. Overall, the history faculty truly cares about our success. They’re so invested in the students and in helping us understand how we can change our future for the better.”
Beyond the Classroom
Immersive Global Experiences From Germany to Greece and China to Vietnam, Rollins offers history majors a host of study-abroad experiences all over the globe. In recent years, history students have explored the Athenian acropolis and hiked the Tonkinese Alps—all while earning credit toward their major.
Professional Presentations Each year, members of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society, showcase their historical acumen as presenters at regional and national conferences. Faculty advisors support students every step of the way as they submit proposals, practice presentations, and travel to events.
Community Partnerships Our majors enjoy exclusive internship and engagement opportunities thanks to partnerships between the Rollins history department and leading community organizations like the Winter Park Historical Association, the Orange County Regional History Center, and the Hannibal Square Heritage Center.
Expert Faculty
Our faculty specialize in a wide range of topics—from modern China to the history of Byzantium. This diverse expertise offers our history majors a broad view of the world, and also adds historical context and nuance to many interdisciplinary studies at Rollins.
Department of History
Telephone: 407.646.2155
Fax: 407.646.2363
Hannah Ewing, PhD
Associate Professor of History
Research interests: Byzantine Empire, ancient and medieval Mediterranean, and the history of monastic reform
Joshua Savala, PhD
Assistant Professor of History
Research interests: Modern Latin America, Peru, Chile, labor and working-class history, oceans in history, and social movements
Claire Strom, PhD
Professor of History
Research interests: U.S. history, especially American sexuality and the Vietnam War
Yusheng Yao, PhD
Professor of History
Research interests: Modern China, modern education reform, and rural reconstruction