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 Oct. 1, 2018

Wednesday, Oct. 3:

-11:15am: “Judicial Philosophy and the Supreme Court,” presented by Andrew Lester

We are in the midst of a Supreme Court appointment and are likely to see at least another one within the next decade. Because the Supreme Court is tasked with determining the constitutionality of court cases and legislation, one question that is typically asked of potential nominees is what their philosophy is for interpreting the Constitution. This lecture will explore two common schools of thought: original intent and living document. We will consider how these philosophies have influenced past cases and what their implications may be for future decisions.

Andrew Lester is a doctoral candidate at Rutgers University-Newark. He received his Master’s in American Studies from UMass Boston. His research focuses on the relationships between different social movements in the Bay Area during the 1960s and 1970s.

-1:25pm: “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 citizens must abide. The lecture will challenge students to determine whether or not the struggle between Federal and States’ rights are 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.

Thursday, Oct. 4:

-8:00am and 10:10am: TBA, presented by Rosemary McCall

Rosemary McCall received her BS degree from Brooklyn College, graduating cum laude, with Honors in Geology.  She earned her MS at the University of South Carolina. She was a successful exploration geologist and consultant before graduating from the National Law Center at George Washington University. Ms. McCall then utilized her scientific and legal skills to consult, lecture, and represent clients. Currently she pursues her passions as an educator and cantankerous scriptwriter.

-4:40pm: “The Great Debate,” presented by Vincent DePaolo, Peter Galati and Victor Miller

In a democratic society, debate is a healthy part of the political system. This week, Professors DePaolo and Galati will debate issues in our present society, including the midterm elections and other current events. The debate will be moderated by Professor Victor Miller.

Vincent DePaolo 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 has also received his MSEd in Secondary Social Studies from the College of Staten Island/CUNY.

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.

Victor Miller earned a BA in History at the College of Staten Island in 2005 and an MS in Adolescent Education in 2008. He has been an Adjunct of Core 100 since February 2012 and currently also works in the Center for Advising and Academic Success. Victor is the of author of the “Summer of ’87” Reacting to the Past classroom simulation and also recently served on the Core 100 textbook editing committee.

-6:30pm: “Militarism and Legal Segregation,” presented by Niles French

This lecture will look at the origins of legal segregation and integration in regard to its impact on private and military life. It will also explore the various ideologies on the Civil Rights movement.

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, Oct. 7:

-10:10am: “Taking a Knee for the First Amendment,” presented by Patrice Buffaloe

This lecture aims to engage students in a lively discussion centered on the topic of equality. The conversation will stem from Colin Kaepernick’s recent actions. Kaepernick was a quarterback for the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016. He has become better known for protesting social injustices by refusing to stand for the National Anthem. Rather than centering the lecture on his actions as being either right or wrong, the lecture seeks to guide students to determine what led to his protest and where such a protest would be accepted? When or where can American’s use their First Amendment rights?

Patrice Buffaloe is a proud graduate of the College of Staten Island. In 2003, she earned her MA in Liberal Arts and 2005, her MS in Adolescent Education. Professor Buffaloe holds New York State certification teaching licenses in Special Education, Grades 7–12; Social Studies, Grades 7–12; and Elementary Education, Grades 1–6. She has had the pleasure of teaching EDS 201 and EDD 602 the Social Historical Foundation of Education to pre-service teachers with a focus on urban education and the effect of social, economic; and political conditions on the public education system. However, Professor Buffaloe is most proud of the work she does with the students in the Core 100 classes.