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. 24, 2020
Wednesday, Feb. 26:
– 11:15am: “SCOTUS: The Role of America’s Judiciary in Shaping Policy,” presented by William Fallon
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) serves a very dynamic and sometimes contentious position in the decision making here in the United States with regard to policy. This lecture will delineate several instances where SCOTUS decisions influenced/solidified judicial as well as social policies for the U.S. A present-day example of this is President Trump’s “Public Charge” case ruled on just last week. Should SCOTUS be the ultimate decision maker on these controversial policies? This question, along with any/all posed by the student assembly, are up for discussion and debate.
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.
Thursday, Feb. 27:
-8:00am: “The Great Debate: Jefferson vs. Hamilton,” presented by John Lentine and Victor Miller
When we look back on the struggles facing the United States in the 18th Century, no two founding fathers had more influential, or polar opposite, opinions as to how the young nation should function than Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. Not only did their writings and rhetoric shape the early republic, their debates and ideals have maintained their truth and resonance to this day. Both Professors Lentine and Miller will play the roles of Jefferson and Hamilton, respectively, and attempt to recreate the debate between these two founders on the proper direction of the republic, in the immediate and in the future. Many topics will be discussed, including but not limited to, the Articles of Confederation, Federalist/Anti-Federalist, Direct Democracy, the American Economy, and individual liberties. In addition, this debate will apply each argument to the modern day, in order to identify whether the vision of the founders has been realized.
John Lentine graduated from the Pennsylvania State University – Capital College, with a B.S. in Public Policy and a M.P.A 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 teaches Core 100 at the College of Staten Island and teachers Government and Civil Rights at New Ventures High School. He has also served as a member on the Core 100 textbook editing committee.
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: Part Two,” presented by Peter Galati
This week, Professor Galati will present part two of a lecture developed with Professor Grosso on foreign policy. This week’s lecture will build on the key concepts discussed last week and delve more deeply into the ongoing situation with Iran and North Korea.
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 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 this country via social media, cameras, the press, and even our elections?
Please see Thursday 8:00am for biography.
By the Division of Academic Affairs
