The 6 people you WILL meet in Durham seminars

Every Durham seminar feels like a social experiment disguised as an academic discussion. You walk in with your notes and a healthy dose of hope, and within five minutes you can spot the usual suspects: the Monologuer armed with ten books and a 46-page notes document, The Silent One who hasn’t spoken since Week 1, and The Devil’s Advocate who argues with everything. Even the timetable. Regardless of your subject, here are all the types of people you’ll meet in your Durham seminars.

The Monologuer

I will never understand why people spend 10 minutes making a point that could be said in 20 seconds. This person genuinely speaks more than the seminar leader. It’s cool when people contribute in seminars, but sometimes it feels like this person is contributing to impress the seminar leader, rather than to actually explore ideas. Worst part is when they start a five minute point one minute before the seminar ends. Definitely not my favourite member of the class.

The Normal One

A diva. This person did the primary reading but not the secondary reading. They make one or two points in a seminar. And they’re just as perturbed by The Monologuer and The Devil’s Advocate as you are. This is the best kind of person to sit next to – and maybe to ask to hang out socially… I met one of my closest friends at Durham by complaining about the way people were behaving in our seminar.

The Silent One

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This person shows up but says absolutely nothing. They probably didn’t do any of the reading and politely decline when the seminar leader asks if they have anything to add. They’re probably quite down to earth and, if you speak to them outside of a seminar, they’re likely really friendly and social. They just don’t vibe with the seminar format.

The Freestyler

This person doesn’t do the reading, but that doesn’t stop them from yapping. They make points with nothing but courage and a dream. They definitely were at Jimmy’s the night before, and there’s a chance they may still be drunk at the seminar. Funniest part is they’re actually fairly convincing. Kind of a vibe.

The Ghost

Contrary to the title of this article, you likely will not meet this person. Because they are never, ever in seminars. This person is basically just a name on a class list. On the off-chance you’ve seen them online, they’re probably extremely elusive and cool. Plus, they’re perpetually on a plane.

The Devil’s Advocate

I’m all for a good debate. Particularly if it’s in good faith and you’re genuinely trying to explore ideas. However, The Devil’s Advocate is the worst kind of person you’ll find in a seminar. They will pick apart every contribution you make for the sake of it – and often seem particularly set on undermining people who were nervous to share in the first place. Essentially, they’re just a villain. Don’t be this person, it’s not a good look.

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