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; on Saturdays at 10:10am in Building 1P, Room 119.
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 Feb. 17, 2020
Wednesday, Feb. 19:
-11:15am: “’Believing Is Seeing – modalities of interpretation’ Visual Literacy in Civic Education for A Cynical Age,” presented by David Loncle
Professor Loncle reviews a contextual framing regarding the role of the individual in civic society and the causes of an apathetic outlook. The challenges of human nature are being revealed to us all of the time. We can only learn them if everyone keeps their eyes open to see. This though, is not a habit that comes easily to most us. This lecture discusses optical illusions, ways in which conceptual maps create interpretative filters, the role of creativity and ideals, information technology and its interface with culture and society, and some ramifications of the information wars.
David Jacobsen Loncle, is an Adjunct Assistant Professor for the Performing and Creative Arts Department and the Core Program.
–Thursday, Feb. 20:
-8:00am: “The First Amendment vs. Big Brother,” presented by Victor Miller
We all have financial credit scores that determine if we can get loans, rent an apartment, purchase a house or car. What if we had a social credit score in the United States? Many say we are already headed down this road with recent assaults on First Amendment rights in social media and in the press. This lecture will look at how China is instituting a social point system program in 2020 and what would it look like if the U.S. had one. It would affect your credit, job applications, where you can travel, and even if you can run for elected office. Is this system already being implemented in teh U.S., via social media, cameras, the press and even our elections?
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 author of the “Summer of ’87” & co-author of the “Corelandia” Reacting to the Past classroom simulation, and also recently served on the Core 100 textbook editing committee.
-10:10am: “U.S. Foreign Policy,”presented by Robert Grosso and Peter Galati
This week, Professors Grosso and Galati present part one of a two-part lecture on foreign policy. This week’s lecture will discuss key concepts related to foreign policy and also help students build a better understand of how the United States works on the global stage.
Robert Grosso has been teaching with the Core Program since 2014, and has lectured on numerous topics in history, civics, and economics for the program’s lecture series. He also teaches at Union County College in NJ, primarily teaching the history of Western civilization.
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.
-4:40pm: “The Bill of Rights Today,” presented by Anthony Casella
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Having a “free press” is essential to our American democracy, but, when the press frames news to fit a particular political view, are they abusing their First Amendment right? Are they serving the best interest of American citizens?
Anthony Casella has been a member of the Core faculty since 2009. He received both a BA in History and an MS in Science in Education from St. John’s University. Professor Casella also received an MA in Administration and Supervision from CSI/CUNY. He is currently an Assistant Principal at PS 25R South Richmond HS on Staten Island.
By the Division of Academic Affairs
