Huttonian is off to the Uni in Embra later this day to give a public lecture on aspects of diplomatic life in the Middle East in those good old days long ago (See
http://www.eumes.co.uk/12.htm)The clientele will be, in the main, the student body-much of the same lot I lecture to as part of the Modern Middle East History 'module' The difference being that attendance at course lectures if not exactly a three line whip is regarded as a 'should do' if you are serious about a decent showing in the exam. A public lecture is very voluntary and given late liquid lunches, the conflicting attractions of Happy Hours at local hostelries or whatever the turnout could be rather derisory.

I hope not quite on the scale of minimalist audience participation as was the experience of a colleague who was asked to give the keynote address at a seminar on some fairly obscure academic topic: Shakespear's Sonnets and the advent of The M'burnish Movement in 17th Century Bakino Fasso or similar. On his arrival the platform was vacant and one person in the audience. Nothing daunted, he assumed the chair, gave his paper, acknowledged the two hands clapping and started to gather up his papers and leave the hall.:

'Please Don't Go' said the solitary guy in the body of the hall;


'I am the second speaker'

(Image is of possible attendance)

Labels: Embra, Lectures, University of Edinburgh

  ¶ 10:01 AM (4) comments