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; on Thursdays at 8:00am, 10:10am, 4:40pm, and 6:30pm; and 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 Apr. 8, 2019
Wednesday, Apr. 10:
-11:15am: Corelandia, presented by Victor Miller and Faculty
Last week, the expedition sent out to explore the lands surrounding Corelandia returned and reported the existence of two civilizations, the Batsonians and Galatians. The expedition report was soon followed by the arrival of ambassadors for each society. Upon meeting with King Joe I, it was revealed that the water shortage was caused when a Batsonian irrigation project inadvertently blocked the river. King Joe, viewing this as an act of war, ordered the arrest and execution of the Batsonian ambassador, but the council intervened and a trial will be held this week. What will be the ambassador’s fate? Will war be prevented?
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.
Thursday, Apr. 11:
-8:00am: “Affirmative Action: The Solution or the Problem,” presented by Annette Marks-Ellis
The origins, execution, and legacy of affirmative action have been the source of controversial debate for many decades. This presentation will provide an overview of the birth, misconceptions, failures, successes, and legacy of affirmative action. Students will engage in a discourse that will explore the pros and cons of this 58 year-old Executive Order.
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: “Climate Change: Part Two: The Role of Society,” presented by Donna Scimeca
On October 17, 2018 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a 700-page report on the impacts of global warming. The report cites that “human activities are estimated to have caused approximately 1.0°C of global warming above pre-industrial levels, with a likely range of 0.8°C to 1.2°C. Global warming is likely to reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052, if it continues to increase at the current rate.” The report further warns that we have just 12 years to make massive and unprecedented changes to global energy infrastructure to limit global warming to moderate levels.
Donna Scimeca, the Core Program Coordinator, will present the second of a three-part lecture series that examines the role of government, society, and the economy can play in addressing this challenge.
-4:40pm: “The Student Debt Crisis,” presented by Joseph Frusci
How did the cost for college lead us to the student debt crisis? This lecture will examine the rising cost of a college education, as well as the student debt crisis created by student loans to cover the cost of education. Is this the next economic bubble to burst?
Joseph Frusci, EdD is a prior-service Army National Guardsman who earned a BA and MA in History, as well as the Doctor of Education degreeat Northeastern University He has been teaching with the Core Program since 2012, and is the author of the “2008 Bailout,” a Reacting to the Past game, which engages students in the complexities of the economic crisis of 2007-2008. He also teaches American History, Government, Economics, and Computer Science for the New York City Department of Education at Staten Island Technical High School.
-6:30pm: “Fiscal Policy,” presented by Joseph Frusci
This lecture will focus on fiscal policy of the United States, both spending and taxes. By examining contemporary fiscal policy trends, we will be able to track how the United States went from surpluses to budget deficits. In addition, the lecture will explore the most recent spending and tax bills signed into law by President Trump andtheir implications, and challenge students to understand how this may impact their lives.
Joseph Frusci, EdD is a prior-service Army National Guardsman who earned a BA and MA in History, as well as the Doctor of Education degreeat Northeastern University He has been teaching with the Core Program since 2012, and is the author of the “2008 Bailout,” a Reacting to the Past game, which engages students in the complexities of the economic crisis of 2007-2008. He also teaches American History, Government, Economics, and Computer Science for the New York City Department of Education at Staten Island Technical High School.
