GRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011 PATRICK R. CORCORAN DOCTORAL STUDENT, POLITICS M.A., INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, THE NEW SCHOOL How to Make a Lecture Work The Catholic University of America

Why? It’s a change from the typical academic lecture setting  Pressure of what to ask question  Dialogue without time constraints Networking with your peers  Department  Scholars  Always ask a question! Your C/V  Chair / Discussant / Participant / Organizer Your status at CUA  People know you  ….and now you know them You pay $80 a year for GSA – why not spend the money?

Who? Quasi-interviewing – USE GOOGLE  Yes, I know you’re not qualified to interview…  Not true, if anything your more qualified because you know less.  Well, attend a lecture or a panel the person you are thinking of asking… CPAC  What do they argue?  Do they speak clearly?  How well do they argue it?  How well do they take to criticism?  Always ask them a question – and introduce yourself after. I can’t make a lecture!  Read articles written by your participant  Thesis?  Check the video or audio on the internet of past participation  Contact them directly and ask a question  Chomsky, Walzer, Walt, Minnogue Panel with Tension?  Yes, you always want to have a diversified presentation Should you pay me? Save the money for reception.  No, not unless a speaker is coming in from out of town  D.C. policy makers or academics do not need payment, and government officials cannot take it

Topic Too broad versus too narrow  The Middle East versus Michel Foucault’s philosophical contribution to French governance during the 1970s, with a specific emphasis on public policy.  Wow, what? Exactly – both interesting, sure – but to whom?  What’s your target audience?  Are professors interested?  Does the University have a connection? Tips:  Geographical focus  Topical focus  Specific issue, but broad enough to attract uninterested persons  China’s Rise through their investment in Africa

When? John Mickey and I fell for Survey Monkey What did we find? Date – always pick 3 or 4 dates 3 or 4 times and work from there, don’t be set on one date, one time, and then you’ll be stuck with just you and a table.

Where and stuff? Pryz, if possible. Newest building, easiest to find. Technology friendly room  CPIT to record the lecture / take pictures! Always overestimate the space and food/beverage you will need Food / Beverage  Aramark is good, less work for you  Outside catering you have to handle on your own  Here is $500, what can you do for me?  Think broadly in your food choice, unless, of course it’s a theme… Greek debt crisis – Greek food China’s investment in Africa – I wish I knew. Advertising  to departments at all D.C. universities  Flyers / Announce in Class  Have the department support your initiative  If you’re a teaching assistant or fellow, perhaps tie in the class to the lecture (and ask the professor to be on the panel)  U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East

Evaluate How many people showed up?  Topic interesting?  Advertising?  Timing? What was the quality of the discussion?  Q/A?  Tension/Agreement?  Post-event chit-chat What was the speaker(s) feedback?  Always send a thank-you note WHEN YOU INVITE PEOPLE TO CAMPUS, Especially IF THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN, YOU’RE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING A GOOD IMPRESSION – “I WANT TO COME BACK SOON, PATRICK.”  That’s the best line to hear after an event…

Format Chair: Lead panel introductions and manage time and Q/A.  Don’t let someone lecture to the panel  Disruptive behavior – See ya – free speech? Examiner: Ask one question to each panel member after they present before Q/A. Discussant: Comment on what each panel member spoke about. Panel member: Non-paper giving panel (unless you want too), roundtable format. Outline specific topics a priori…  Pakistan  Afghanistan  India  Tie together Planted questioner: Always make sure at least one of your colleagues is there, audience could be question-shy, you may need someone to kick it off. Other formats: Interview – Firing Line – Dialogue versus presentations No surprises for participants. Lecture stand, table set-up, room design, and technology.

Questions and Answers What do you want to know that I have not covered? What do you want expanded upon? Do you know Jufang?