Some students might think of their lectures as torture. But how many actually go to lectures on torture?
This afternoon, the option hails from the University of Cambridge French Prof. Sara Kay.
Her lecture, entitled "Original Skin: Flaying & Thinking in Late Medieval Culture," will take place in McLeod Hall 1004 at 4 p.m. today.
French Prof. John Lyons was instrumental in bringing Kay to the University.
"Among medievalists, she's a front-runner," Lyons said. "As soon as I heard Sara Kay was coming to Duke, I jumped at the chance to invite her."
French Prof. Amy Ogden, who specializes in medieval studies, said she also is excited about Kay's lecture.
"She's certainly one of the pivotal figures in medieval literature," Ogden said. "She's published in just about every genre of medieval literature."
Ogden said she has enjoyed Kay's lecture style in the past, noting her ability to make subject matter "accessible" to different audiences.
"She's a very engaging speaker," Ogden said. "She's very lucid in combining medieval and modern themes."
Lyons said he believes that Kay's lecture can pertain to people interested in all disciplines, not just French.
"In medieval studies, things aren't broken down by language or country or national barriers," Lyons said, citing the "international exchange" of ideas and subject matter that characterizes the field.
"Her current topic is on flaying, which is an unusual thing to be talking about," Lyons said.
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