The Purpose of the History Major

The history major at Bryn Athyn College explores the nature of human experience in a wide variety of cultures and time periods. Together, faculty and students investigate social, political, economic, intellectual and, above all, religious facets of human history. We believe that studying a society's religious climate and its relationship with other aspects of life encourages a deeper understanding of human existence.

As a history major, you will learn to understand historical settings ranging from the Ancient Near East and the Classical World, to modern America, Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Africa. You will make connections between past and present by exploring the complex web of causes and effects in history. You will also develop valuable skills in oral and written expression as well as the ability to evaluate evidence and conflicting interpretations - all important attributes for workers in today's information age.

Increasingly, historians focus on material culture as a means of understanding societies. In addition to learning to examine textual evidence critically, you will learn how to analyze art, architecture, and artifacts as vital sources of historical evidence. To emphasize this aspect of the discipline, many history courses take place in Glencairn Museum, located on campus, and make use of its collections.

History majors at Bryn Athyn College have numerous opportunities to apply what they are learning outside of the classroom. Many majors participate in history internships on and off campus. We also enjoy a special relationship with Colonial Williamsburg and Massachusetts Historical Society and visit both regularly.

From the Bryn Athyn College web site:
http://www.brynathyn.edu/Academics/AreasOfStudy/Majors/HistoryMajor

What does "Coffee with Chronos" mean?

Chronos is the personification of time whose origins date back to Greek mythology. Chronos is the Latin form of Khronos from a Greek word meaning time. This god recorded time and is often depicted as an old man with a long gray beard turning the zodiac wheel (in ancient Greece and Rome) or an hourglass (a more modern depiction). The word "chronology" comes directly from the name Chronos.

But why the coffee bit? This part of the name refers to our Boston Coffee Parties held each week. Each Monday we are literally having "coffee with Chronos" when we meet to drink coffee and discuss history.

About This Web Site

This web site was created by Kendra Knight as a Christmas present to the history faculty, majors, and other friends who love history. Her hope is that it can be used as a reference point and advertisement for the history program. If you have any comments or questions about the site please contact Kendra at kendra.knight@brynathyn.edu. Thank you for stopping by!