If 60-Second Lectures Were Real Lectures

A.T. Piskai
5752 W. Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

April 12, 2011

The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
100 Houston Hall
3500 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

To the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania,

It’s outrageous. This is an outrage. I am outraged. I recently had the displeasure of being present today while a professor made a mockery of this fine institution I thought that I knew. In case you do not know the travesty about which I speak, allow me to clarify. The recent installation of the 60-second lectures in recent years has ruined the University’s prestigious reputation. Until this very afternoon, I had not been subjected to the tortures and frustrations that I assume accompany each one of these minute-long lectures, and I wish that this was still the case. My largest concern does not even relate to the subject matter, while bland in its own right, of the lecture in question, but instead to the degradation of the quality education that one expects while attending a lecture at Pennsylvania. In no way, shape, or form did this 60-second lecture resemble an actual lecture; the experience was far closer to a microphone-check at the Bridgeport Area Folk Festival.

With my concerns voiced, I aim to be constructive in my criticism. I have decided to formulate a rough outline of how the sixty available seconds should be allocated so as to meet the lofty standards required of any lecture worthy of the Penn label. My results follow. Please click the image to enlarge.

How The Professor Should Allocate His 60-Seconds To Be Authentic

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. It is truly appreciated.