午夜剧场

I chose to take part in the Independent Research Project because it offered the freedom to pursue a subject that connects history, politics, and media studies—fields that fascinate me beyond the standard curriculum. My coursework in economics and area studies introduced me to questions about how institutions shape societies, but I wanted the chance to investigate these dynamics independently. The project provided an opportunity to test whether I could identify an original angle, develop it into a coherent research question, and engage with sources in multiple languages. By examining colonial Algeria, I was able to bring together my training in economics, history, and French studies, while contributing to an underexplored area in post-colonial research. This freedom to integrate disciplines and test my own academic voice was the main reason I chose the project.

The most rewarding experience was working directly with original historical documents, such as scanned newspapers from the 1930s preserved in the French National Library. Reading these texts in their original language—sometimes uncensored, sometimes censored—allowed me to see how competing nationalists in Algeria articulated identity and legitimacy through the medium of print. It was eye-opening to compare these primary sources with the interpretations of scholars like McDougall or Courreye, and to discover both overlaps and gaps. This process taught me not only how to analyze texts critically but also how to respect the complexity of voices in history, rather than reducing them to simple narratives. It was also rewarding to share my findings at symposia in Japan, where I could discuss ideas with specialists in Maghreb studies and refine my arguments in dialogue with others.

This project sharpened my ability to think across disciplines, languages, and methods, which I intend to apply in both academic and professional contexts. The research process showed me the importance of situating contemporary issues—such as debates on immigration or multiculturalism in Europe—within their deeper historical and institutional roots. By understanding how education and media shaped Algerian identity under colonialism, I now approach present-day socio-political issues with greater nuance and historical sensitivity. Practically, I learned to use digital tools such as OCR to handle large corpora of primary sources, a skill that will be useful in any data-driven field. More broadly, the experience reinforced my interest in pursuing further research in political economy, post-colonial studies, and media history, potentially at the graduate level, while also informing how I approach global challenges in policy or international organizations.

The Independent Research Project is a rare opportunity to move beyond coursework and discover how you think as a researcher. My advice is to choose a topic that genuinely excites you, even if it feels ambitious or unconventional. The process will be challenging—navigating sources, finding your argument, and revising drafts—but the independence you gain and the skills you develop are invaluable. Don’t be afraid to engage with experts and peers; their feedback will sharpen your work. Most importantly, enjoy the journey of building something that is truly your own.