Corey Koh

Objectivity and the Historical Imagination

"This seminar has been the single most enriching class I have taken at NU. In the Fall, we were exposed to so many unique approaches to the discipline, and I cannot stress how valuable the chance to directly interact with the authors was. One of these sessions eventually inspired the line of thinking that culminated in my winter project investigating objectivity and the historical imagination in the study of history. Throughout the process Prof. Bates' flexibility, guidance, and seemingly unlimited knowledge about a broad range of issues was invaluable, as were the passionate and intellectually stimulating discussions we had in the seminar."

Matthew Jamil

From Persecution to Prosperity: Iraqi Chaldeans, Forced Migration and the Search for Home

"Participating in the Sanders Seminar was a truly transformative academic experience. From engaging with rich historical texts and meeting accomplished historians to developing our own research projects, every element of the program was thoughtfully curated and deeply rewarding. Although writing the final research paper was a significant challenge, the support I received throughout the process helped me grow as a writer, researcher, and student of history."

Jamie Neiberg

 

Stage Directions for Tragedy: How Columbine Scripted Future School Shootings

"The Sanders Seminar with Professor Bates offers a rare chance to actually see how historians think and work. It pulls back the curtain on the kinds of conversations and questions that usually feel like they happen behind closed office doors. What makes the class stand out is how engaged everyone is; there’s a real sense of shared curiosity, and it’s clear that people care about the material and the questions we're exploring.

The seminar focuses on how historical arguments are formed and how interpretations evolve. History is a field built around questions and the search for answers, and this course makes that process visible. We don’t just read texts; we think critically about how they were written, what they’re responding to, and what kinds of debates they’re part of. Then we get to take that approach and apply it to our own projects, which makes the learning feel active and meaningful.

With Professor Bates leading the way, the seminar is structured but flexible, challenging but supportive. It’s been one of the most thoughtful and rewarding classes I’ve taken in the department."

Lily Ogburn

Through the Eyes of the Expatriate: Analyzing the Letters of Emma Wigmore and the Duality of Orientalism

"The Historian’s Craft seminar gave me the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a real historian. From learning what makes a strong historical argument to talking directly with historians in the field to crafting my own research project, this seminar gave me a sense of why historians’ work is so important. 

My project relied on a collection of letters from the 1890s, and I got to spend hours in the library decoding the handwriting and taking notes on my observations. It was such a cool experience. Anyone with a love for history should apply for this seminar.”

Alisa Vazgryna

A Different Polis: The Mending of Greek Identity and Establishment of a Stable Political System Throughout the 20th Century

"The Sanders Scholars program has most definitely been the highlight of my History degree at Northwestern, both for how much it has allowed me to grow as a student and writer and for the incredible bonds I have made with my fellow classmates. The most unique aspect of the program, aside from being able to spend an entire quarter working on a project of your choosing, was getting to explore the topic of history rather than a topic in history. We dissected the discipline of history and were able to partake in once-in-a-lifetime conversations with world-renowned historians, which have truly shaped the way I will think for the rest of my life. I am incredibly grateful I had this opportunity."