The Cavalier Daily
Serving the University Community Since 1890

On location education

Typically restricted by schedule and habit, students should attend guest lectures to experience more dynamic learning

SINCE declaring my major, I have constantly been receiving emails about public speakers visiting the University. These are distinguished individuals ranging from former ambassadors to winners of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Yet in the chaos of a typical college day, there never seems to be enough time to see these speakers. Although I acknowledge that making time for such events is difficult, it really is crucial for us students to attend such events to enhance our academic experience at the University.

University students are fortunate to have the opportunity to meet remarkable people who have made significant contributions to our world. I have friends who are always surprised when I talk about our guest speakers such as Ambassador Robert Blake, an expert on North Africa and South and Central Asia who is coming to speak in the Rotunda this evening. Going to such guest lectures in conjunction with course lectures enhances the knowledge a student might obtain.

For example, last semester I took Politics Prof. William Quandt's course PLIR 3650, "International Relations of the Middle East." As an extra credit assignment, I had to attend a lecture given by multiple Middle Eastern experts including the author of one of the books we read in class. Though my incentive was the extra credit, looking back

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