History

Today I heard an interesting story about some of the history of Edinburgh that was funny enough that I thought I would share.

Back in the 17th century, Scotland was really into its Presbyterianism and understandably so, considering Edinburgh was the heart of the Scottish reformation. The power of the Kirk (what the Church of Scotland calls its churches, I think its an old Gallic word) was pretty far reaching, even into the University. In one particular incident, it was reported that a couple of students from the University of Edinburgh were perhaps holding theological views contrary to what Scottish Presbyterianism would dictate, and were talking about them in their theology courses. Of course the University responded in the appropriate manner to intellectual debate inside of its classrooms: it had the students publicly hanged in the square the next week. Because nothing says dedication to academic integrity than killing your own students. Add the fact that at the time most University Students were between the ages of 13 and 16, and this story gets even more ridiculous. I mean, first of all, I think it is pretty impressive that 13-year-olds were discussing the finer points of Calvinism at all. Now add to the fact that they were probably simultaneously doing most of their studies in Greek and Latin. And that the typical day at University started probably around 5 in the morning. Oh, yeah, did I mention they were 13! Talk about pressure.

Incentive to agree with your Professors

Things going through the head of the typical 17th century University student:
"I hope this acne goes away before the fall dance...I wonder if anyone would like to play football this weekend...that MacLeod girl is kinda cute...better remember to study my greek for my Biblical Exegesis class...Oh, great, now I have to watch what I say around Professor Connelly or he'll have me murdered..."

Guess which of those things I wasn't worrying about when I was 13? So, its a morbidly funny story, but it made me chuckle. Just imagine if this practice of discipline was kept in the modern University setting:

Professor: "Now, who wants to comment on the Douglass article?"
 (Hushed Silence)
Professor: "Anybody?"
(More Hushed Silence)
Student: (stammering) "Per, perhaps he was taking a Marxist interpretation of 21st century politics?"
(class gasps in fear)
Professor: "Marxism? Really? I am sorry Jim, but thats not where I think Douglass was going with this."
Jim: "What? No, I mean, its's... ah No! Don't take me away!"
(Jim is dragged screaming out of the class by TAs)
Professor: "Anybody else?"
(Hushed Silence)