Dr. Scot Bruce
Professor of History and Humanities
Education
- Ph.D. University of Nebraska
- M.A. University of Colorado
- B.A. Taylor University
About Dr. Bruce
Dr. Bruce teaches an array of courses in American and world history, though as a scholar he specializes in the study of diplomacy and war. A classicist at heart, he also teaches a number of film and philosophy courses in the humanities curriculum and particularly enjoys integrating worldview concepts into every subject.
Scot and his wife, Jennifer, met as undergraduates and were married in 1995. They came to Salem, Oregon, in August 2006, and their son, Connor, was born within months of their arrival. When he is not teaching or writing about history, Scot can typically be found reading. He is particularly fond of philosophical/theological works by the likes of G. K. Chesterton, C. S. Lewis, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
In addition to reading, Scot closely follows sports, especially the exploits of his favorite Chicago teams: the Bears, the Bulls, the Cubs, and the Blackhawks. He also enjoys watching all sorts of great films, past and present, with a particular weakness for Alfred Hitchcock thrillers.
Recently Taught Courses
Japan: Age of the Samurai
Dive into the fascinating history of feudal Japan. Study the rise of the samurai, bushido culture, and the political and social dynamics that shaped Japanese society. This course brings the world of medieval Japan vividly to life.
History of Film
Survey a century of groundbreaking cinema, exploring the films and filmmakers that shaped visual storytelling. From early silent works to modern classics, you will analyze how style, narrative, and cultural context influence film as both art and communication.
History of the Vikings
Examine the impact of Norse exploration, warfare, and myth-making across Europe and beyond. This course investigates the historical and cultural legacy of Viking civilization and explores how their story has shaped modern perspectives on conquest, identity, and adventure.
The Dark Knight of the Soul: Batman & Philosophy
Dive into the world of Batman through comics, film, and philosophy. Explore the psychological complexity of heroes and villains, examine themes like justice, identity, and nihilism, and uncover why the Dark Knight’s story resonates like a modern-day tragedy.
I chose Corban because of the institution’s dedication to holistic Christian worldview education. Integrating worldview ideas and themes with the study of the human experience remains one of my ongoing joys as I teach and interact with Corban students.
Dr. Scot Bruce
Publications
Bruce, S. D. Woodrow Wilson’s Colonial Emissary: Edward M. House and the Origins of the Mandate System, 1917-1919. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Archive, 2013. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/historydiss/63
Bruce, S. D. “Woodrow Wilson’s House: The Hidden Hand Wilsonian Progressivism,” review of Colonel House: A Biography of Woodrow Wilson’s Silent Partner, by Charles E. Neu, Reviews in American History 45, Number 4 (2017): 621-626. https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/1/article/680640
Current Projects
Bruce, S. D. The Warrior’s Crucible: Pursuing Justice in the Age of Modern Warfare
Bruce, S. D. Through the Eyes of Wisdom & Wonder: The Films of Terrence Malick
Fellow Faculty
Naomi Yanike
Director of Media Arts | Associate Professor of Media Arts
nyanike@corban.edu(503) 375-7190
