The Core 100 program invites students and faculty from the College to join us for our weekly lecture series. Each week, all of the first-year students participate in lecture-discussions with about 400 of their classmates. We have space in the Center for the Arts (Building 1P) Williamson Theatre to accommodate individual guests and can have as many as two additional classes at each of the lectures. No permission is needed for classes to attend, but please notify Donna Scimeca at 718.982.3405 if you plan to bring a class.

The lectures are 50 minutes and are all in the Williamson Theatre. They meet on the following days/times: Wednesdays at 1:25pm and 3:35pm; on Thursdays at 8:00am, 10:10am, 4:40pm, and 6:30pm; and on Saturdays at 10:10am.

The Lecture Series Schedule for the Week of Monday, Oct. 17, 2016

Wednesday, Oct. 19 :

-1:25pm: “The Role of Government in the U.S. Economy: Regulation, Deregulation, and the Current Presidential Nominees’ Platforms,” presented by Richard Kotula

This lecture will provide a cursory overview of the government’s role in financial regulation and de-regulation. The lecture will focus primarily on the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 and the major political parties’ stances on this legislation.

Richard Kotula has been a member of the CSI community since 2002. During that time, he has completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a BA in History, and an MA in History. Professor Kotula has also worked for a number of years in CSI’s Information Technology Department and is currently the Assistant Coordinator of the Remedial Mathematics Program. Professor Kotula graduated from Susan Wagner High School in 2000, and is also licensed as a stock broker, commodities broker, and a financial advisor.

-3:35pm: “The Imperial Presidency,” presented by Edward Manganel

The President’s constitutional powers are potent, but they are exercised within and limited by the constitutional system of Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances. During the period of the so-called “Modern Presidency,” from President FDR to the present, however, the ability of the President to initiate, influence, and shape public policy has become more and more pronounced, particularly in the field of foreign policy. This lecture will focus on the expansion of Presidential power and whether or not the modern Presidency has become too strong an institution. In either case, given the powers of the President, however effectively limited, the stakes in the November 2016 election are quite high.

Edward Manganel received his BA from Marist College and MA from University of Colorado. He is a former Chair of Social Studies Department and AP US History teacher at Monsignor Farrell HS. He has taught at CSI for 25 years and Core 100 program for ten years.

Thursday, Oct. 20:

-8:00am: Core 100 Election Series: “Immigration Policy,” presented by Niles French

This lecture will focus on the positions and current trends that drive the immigration opinions of the Presidential candidates and their respective parties. By examining both candidates’ positions, Core classes will learn about how each position will affect immigration trends in the 21st century.

Niles French has been with the Core faculty since 2011 and also teaches in the American Studies Department at the College of Staten Island. He also heads Grants and Development at Historic Richmond Town, bringing in more than $800,000 in funding and $5M in City capital funding since 2012. Additionally, Mr. French is a published author and holds a BA and MA in History from the College of Staten Island.

-10:10am: Core 100 Election Series: “Campaign Finance and the American Industrial Complex,” presented by John Lentine

In every election cycle, our economic system heavily determines who will be President. Why do candidates take their respective positions on certain issues? Why does is seem as though the archaic ways of past generations are still practiced today, regardless of public opinion? This lecture will highlight campaign finance, and will draw out the main points that voters should bear in mind when attempting to “follow the money” in the election this November.

John Lentine graduated from the Pennsylvania State University – Capital College, with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. Studying just outside the State Capitol, he had the distinct honor of working for two of Pennsylvania’s State Representatives. Upon his return to Staten Island, he worked on a City Council campaign management team. He currently works in the Center for Advising and Academic Success and teaches Core 100 at the College of Staten Island.  Recently, with many of his esteemed colleagues, he has served on the Core 100 textbook editing committee.

-4:40p and 6:30pm: Core 100 Election Series: “Free Trade and the effect on the U.S. Industrial Workforce,” presented by Vincent DePaolo

One of, if not, the biggest domestic policy issue that is at the apex of this upcoming 2016 Presidential election is trade. This lecture is going to go back and look at the time from the ratification of NAFTA to the present, examining how free trade has helped and been a force for good in the U.S. economy and how it also has negatively affected the industrial blue collar workforce in this country. In addition, we will examine how each candidate in the upcoming Presidential election is going to deal with trade and how their respective parties have traditionally viewed trade agreements.

Vincent DePaolo is teaching Core 100 for his fifth semester. He previously was an Adjunct Instructor at Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus in the History Department teaching introductory world history survey courses. He received his BA in History and MS in Social Science with a concentration in History and Advanced Graduate Certificate in United Nation Studies at Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus. He also received his MSeD in Secondary Social Studies from the College of Staten Island/CUNY.

Saturday, Oct. 22:

-10:10am: Core 100 Election Series: “Social Issues,” presented by John Comfort

During this lecture, we will discuss the social issues that affect the lives of most Americans. Topics will include abortion and same-sex marriage, and the differing views of the two candidates in the 2016 Presidential election. How should we as a nation handle the social issues that shape our nation?

John Comfort earned his MA in History from the College of Staten Island in 2003 and has taught at CSI for the Core Program and also the American Studies program since 2006.