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 12:20pm; on Thursdays at 8:00am, 10:10am, and 6:30pm; and on Saturdays at 10:10am.
The Lecture Series Schedule for the Week of Monday, Feb. 6, 2017
Wednesday, Feb. 8:
-12:20pm: “The Enlightenment: An Age of Reason in an Age of Unrest,” presented by William Fallon
This lecture will examine the profound philosophical ideas and ideals emerging from the Enlightenment. John Locke and his Social Contract Theory will be at the forefront of the discussion, yet other notable philosophers and their fundamental contributions to the Age of Reason will be presented. The culmination of this lecture will focus on Thomas Paine, his incendiary writings contained in the pamphlet “Common Sense,” and how he tried to convince the colonists to support independence from Great Britain.
William Fallon is an Adjunct Lecturer in his fourth semester with the Core 100 program. He graduated with a Master’s degree with Distinction from the College of Staten Island in History in January 2014. His focus is 20th-Century U.S. History and Foreign Policy.
Thursday, Feb. 9:
-8:00am: “John Locke,” presented by Michael Batson
This lecture will provide an overview of John Locke’s Social Contract theory and examine the role that his ideas played in the American Revolution and in shaping our nation’s political, legal, and economic systems. The lecture will place Locke in historical context, as both an Enlightenment figure and as a witness to the political upheaval of the English Civil War in the mid-17th century, to see where and how his ideas formed.
Michael Batson has been a Professor at the College of Staten Island since fall 2000. He teaches history, women’s studies, and Core 100. He earned his Master’s degree in Liberal Studies. Professor Batson specializes in social history (the history of ordinary people and historically marginalized groups).
-10:10am: “Jefferson vs. Hamilton,” presented by John Lentine and Victor Miller
When we look back on the struggles facing this country 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 time 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 U.S., 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 BS in Public Policy and a MPA 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.
Victor Miller earned a BA in History at the College of Staten Island in 2005 and a 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 Academic Assistance. Victor is the author of the “Summer of ’87” Reacting to the Past classroom simulation and also recently served on the Core 100 textbook editing committee.
-4:40pm: “Corelandia: What is Corelandia? What are your factions and roles as citizens of Corelandia?” presented by Victor Miller and Vincent DePaolo
Last week in Corelandia: Students were introduced to the professors, Core 100, and Reacting to the Past. Also, they were introduced to their new community, Corelandia. This week in Corelandia: Students will get a further in-depth look into Corelandia. They will also learn about the factions in Corelandia and their role as the citizenry of their new community, Corelandia. Look for our weekly updates of what they Corelandians will do and accomplish.
Victor Miller earned a BA in History at the College of Staten Island in 2005 and a 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 Academic Assistance. Victor is the author of the “Summer of ’87” Reacting to the Past classroom simulation and also recently served on the Core 100 textbook editing committee.
Vincent DePaolo was previously 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.
-6:30pm: “Before the Revolution,” presented by Michael Matthews
Mr. Matthews will discuss the French and Indian War and the impact it has on both the 13 colonies and Great Britain. He will will then survey the events between 1763 and 1776 that will lead the Americans down the road to revolution.
Michael Matthews earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Arts degrees at Brooklyn College/CUNY. He also has a Master in Business Administration (Finance) from Fordham University.
Saturday, Feb. 11:
-10:10am: “The American Revolution,” presented by Peter Ronalds
Peter Ronalds is a Doctor of Arts Modern World History, St. John’s University 1998. He has been teaching Core 100 and history classes since 1998.
