60-Second Lectures

The 60-Second Lectures have been a Penn Arts & Sciences tradition since 2003. You can find the School’s faculty on College Green every spring and fall, taking a minute to share their perspectives on topics that range from the ever-present threat of climate change to taxes to what makes a poem a poem. 

 Lectures will take place every Wednesday in September starting at 11:50 a.m. in front of the Benjamin Franklin statue outside of College Hall. In the case of inclement weather, lectures will be held in Café 58, Irvine Auditorium.

View Upcoming Lectures

Featured Lectures

Special 60 Second Lectures

The 60-Second Lectures: In Quarantine series explored the complex social, cultural, historical, and economic issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out the video library here.

60-Second Lectures on Racial Injustice.
This set of short talks spotlights the history and contemporary manifestations of racism in the U.S., Black lives and culture, and the range of factors that have contributed to this moment.

1.5 Minute Climate Lectures to sound the alarm about the climate emergency, to call for large-scale climate action, and to share a vision of constructive and comprehensive response. 

No upcoming lectures at this time. Please check back later.