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 (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 11:15am and 1:25pm; on Thursdays at 8:00am, 10:10am, 4:40pm, and 6:30pm; and on Saturdays at 10:10am. The focus of the Core Lecture Series this semester will be to directly link the program’s curriculum to current events.

The Lecture Series Schedule for the

Week of  Sept. 10, 2018

Wednesday, Sept. 12:

-11:15am: “Locke and Paine: Your Government, Your Voice,” presented by William Fallon

This lecture will begin with a short synopsis of the contributions made by John Locke and Thomas Paine in their writings. Both Locke and Paine were instrumental in planting the seeds of self-governance here in the U.S. The focus will then shift onto the topic of voting, as well as explain the platforms of both major political parties, and why it is important to get out and cast your vote. There will be ample time for Q & A.

William Fallon has been an Adjunct Lecturer in CSI’s Core Program since 2015. He was awarded his MA in History from CSI in 2013. Additionally, in January 2018, Professor Fallon became the first student ever at CSI to be awarded a Certificate in Public History.

-1:25pm: “Election Preview: Part 1,” presented by Steven Kaufman

This lecture will explore the upcoming September primary elections in order to prepare students for the November general elections.

Steven Kaufman graduated magna cum laude with both a BA and MA in History from CSI. Since Fall 2015, Professor Kaufman has been a tutor for the SEEK Program, specializing in Core, as well as leading weekly study groups for all SEEK students enrolled in Core 100, and has been teaching Core since Spring 2016.

Thursday, Sept. 13:

-8:00am: “The Immigration Question,” presented by Annette Marks-Ellis

U.S. immigration is a tale of diverse peoples who travel from far and near to begin a new life. Dubbed the “land of opportunity,” the United States has, for centuries, attracted millions of individuals from all parts of the globe. Yet, the nation has had periods when many were not welcomed or accepted as eagerly as we have been led to believe. The current debate on immigration—legal and illegal—is not a new conversation. This lecture will engage students in discussing the reasons why immigrants migrate to this country, the current controversy over certain immigrant groups, and the complexity of welcoming, assimilating, tolerating, and appreciating the plethora of cultures arriving on U.S. shores.

Annette Marks-Ellis earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Columbia University. She has been at CSI and teaching Core 100 since 1999. She is one of the authors of the Core textbook and has published several articles on African American history, women’s issues, and Caribbean culture.

-10:10am: “The Kavanaugh Hearings,” presented by Edward Manganel

The current hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee  regarding President Trump’s nominee to fill the Supreme Court seat of retired Justice Anthony Kennedy, have been extremely  partisan and contentious, understandably so, given the  Supreme Court’s power in the public policy process and the 5 to 4 ideological split of the Justices, assuming the Senate confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh. This lecture will provide an overview of the process and a discussion of the hearings, thus far.

Edward Manganel received his BA fom Marist College and his MA from University of Colorado. He is former Chair of the Social Studies Department and APUS History teacher at Monsignor Farrell HS, teaching at CSI for 25 years and Core 100 for ten years.

-4:40pm: “The 2018 Midterm Elections: A Preview,” presented by Peter Galati

The Midterm Elections may reshape the political landscape of Washington DC and the legislative agenda of the Trump Administration. In addition to the national battle for control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, Democrats and Republicans will battle for control of the Office of Governor in several states. This lecture will examine the implications of these elections, and look at the dynamics shaping several high-profile races.

Peter Galati has a BA in Political Science from Stockton University and an MA in History from the College of Staten Island. He teaches for the Core 100 Program and the English Department. He also serves as the Assistant to the Core Program Coordinator.

-6:30pm: “States’ Rights vs Centralized Power?” presented by Niles French

Professor French will analyze the differences between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.  In particular, he will be looking at modern examples of the ongoing discourse between the role of the central government and of state governments. He will be also be looking at the emergence and continued importance of political parties as we prepare for the mid-term elections.

Niles French is the Senior Project Manager and New Dorp Business Improvement District Director for the SIEDC, supervising neighborhood development in the projects division. Niles is also an adjunct professor for the Core Program at the College of Staten Island. He is a graduate of the CSI, and holds an MA in History, and a BA in History and Political Science. He is a native and resident of Staten Island.

Saturday, Sept. 15:

-10:10am: “Federalists vs Anti-Federalists – Is the Argument Still Relevant in 2018?” presented by John Comfort

This lecture will provide an overview of the major differences between the Federalists and the Anti-federalists and their different views on the government of the United States. Would they want a strong federal government or a more state-focused government?  This lecture will examine how these different views shaped the Constitution that governs this country and shaped the laws by which the citizens must abide. The lecture will challenge students to determine whether or not the struggle between Federal and States’ rights is still relevant in the contemporary U.S.

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