Welcome to Social Science's "Lunchtime Lecture Series" Page
Below is a list of upcoming and past lectures prepared by MCC's Social Science faculty and guest speakers, designed to expand students' knowledge and interest in the fields of Administration of Justice Studies, Economics, History, and Political Science.
LUNCHTIME LECTURE SERIES - SPRING 2026
The War on Drugs
This multi-discipline presentation was led by Social Science Faculty Dr. Paul Hietter (History); Sylwia Cavalcant (Economics); Zlatan (Zee) Mamela (Administration of Justice Studies); and Dr. Brian Dille (Political Science). Each faculty member analyzed illegal drugs from their respective disciplinary perspectives, including historical trends, economic costs and public spending, impacts on criminal justice systems and communities, as well as domestic and international outcomes. The presentation was held on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 from 12:00pm - 1:15pm in SC-11E (S&D) and was also available virtually.
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Word Warriors: Writing Women & Activism in the American West 1865 - 1900
Social Science History Adjunct Faculty Dr. Michelle Martin led an inspiring student-centered presentation on Word Warriors: Writing Women and Activism in the American West, 1865 to 1900. Guests and students discovered how women in the late 1800s used letters, newspapers, and essays to speak out, push for social change, and influence public opinion even when they were excluded from positions of formal power. They heard the stories of women whose words shaped communities, inspired reform, and turned writing into a powerful tool for activism. The presentation was held on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 in SC-11E (S&D campus) and was also available virtually.
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Social Science Sabbatical Reports - Exploring Public History and Refugee Narratives
Social Science History Faculty Courtney Smith and Political Science Faculty Dr. Brian Dille shared highlights from their recent sabbaticals and the research they explored. Courtney discussed how history comes alive beyond the classroom through monuments, museums, and public spaces and how these sites help shape the way communities understand the past. She also discussed opportunities for students interested in public history and hands on career pathways. Brian shared research centered on refugee narratives, offering a powerful human perspective on immigration policy and the experiences that often sit behind the headlines. Together, their presentations offered a fascinating glimpse into faculty scholarship and the ways history, policy, and personal stories connect to the world around us. The presentations was held on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 from 12:00pm - 1:15pm in SC-11E (S&D campus) and was also available virtually.
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The Politics and Policies of President Trump
Social Science Faculty Dr. Viola Fuentes (Political Science/History), along with MCC graduate and ASU student Zachary Egan, led a student-centered presentation on President Donald Trump's policies on immigration, foreign affairs, education, taxes, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The presentation was held in-person on Monday, March 9th, 2026 in SC-11E (S&D campus) and was also available virtually.
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Black History Month - Celebrating Black Leadership
Social Science Faculty Dr. Viola Fuentes (Political Science/History) conducted an inspiring presentation on Black leaders who shaped our nation's history, from contemporary figures like Coco Gauff and Don Lemon to transformative leaders such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. This student-centered presentation was held in-person on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 in SC-11E (S&D campus) and was also available virtually.
LUNCHTIME LECTURE SERIES - SPRING 2025
Presidential Assassinations
Social Science Faculty Dr. Brian Dille (Political Science); Courtney Smith (History); and Zlatan (Zee) Mamela (Administration of Justice Studies) presented a compelling student lecture and discussion on Presidential Assassinations, diving deep into some of America's most tragic events and uncovering their profound impact on the nation's history, politics, and security challenges. This collaborative presentation was held in-person and virtually on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, in SC-11E (S&D campus).
LUNCHTIME LECTURE SERIES - FALL 2024
Exploring Project 25
Social Science Faculty Dr. Brian Dille (Political Science) and Dr. Viola Fuentes (Political Science/History), alongside MCC Political Science students Zachary Egan and Jacob Quiros, delved into the controversial Project 25 document, exploring its potential impact if Trump secures the 2024 election victory. This presentation was held on in-person and virtually on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024, in SC-11E (S&D campus).
Disaster Preparedness: How Communities Navigate Economic, Political, and Security Demands
Social Science Faculty Dr. Brian Dille (Political Science); Debbie Henney (Economics); and Zlatan (Zee) Mamela (Administration of Justice Studies) led a one-hour presentation for students on how disasters create significant political, economic, and security challenges with enduring consequences. Politically, they can lead to power struggles and erode public trust in governments. Economically, they disrupt supply chains, damage infrastructure, and strain recovery efforts. Security-wise, they can fuel social tensions and unrest over scarce resources. This collaborative presentation was held in-person and virtually on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, in SC-11E (S&D campus).
LUNCHTIME LECTURE SERIES - SPRING 2024
Grumpy Old Men and Their Public Policies
Social Science Residential Faculty Dr. Viola Fuentes (Political Science/History) and MCC student Zachary Egan recently led a one-hour presentation for students on "Grumpy Old Men and Their Public Policies." The presenters compared current U.S. President Joe Biden (DEM) and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's tract records and plans on immigration, voting, military service, and democracy. This presentation took place both in-person and virtually on Wednesday, April 24th 2024, in SC-11E (S&D campus).
Celebrating Women's Historic Contributions
Social Science Residential Faculty Dr. Viola Fuentes (Political Science/History) and MCC students Zachary Egan and Dani Watchman, recently held a one-hour presentation on "Celebrating Women's Historic Contributions" to commemorate Women's History Month. The presentation covered famous female trailblazers who shaped U.S. history, such as Martha Washington, Michelle Obama, Tammy Duckworth, Beyoncé, and Taylor Swift. The well-received presentation was held in-person and virtually on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in SC-11E (S&D campus).
LUNCHTIME LECTURE SERIES - FALL 2023
The JFK Assassination - 60 Years Later
Social Science Residential Faculty Courtney Smith (History) and Dr. Viola Fuentes (Political Science) recently conducted a student-centered presentation to commemorate the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's assassination. The presentation covered the Kennedy presidency in perspective; the outpouring of support for his widow, Jaqueline Kennedy; the political aftermath; and the Warren Commission that tried to sort it all out. The presentation was conducted in-person and virtually on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm in SC-11E (S&D campus).
Patriots, Traitors, or Political Extremists?
Political Science Residential Faculty, Dr. Viola Fuentes, and MCC student Zachary Egan, recently discussed the actions of extremist political leaders, parties, and militia groups, including the actions of willful political leaders such as George Washington, Andrew Jackson, FDR, and Donald Trump. The presentation was held in-person and virtually via Zoom on Monday, November 6, 2023 in SC-11E (S&D campus). The lecture was an approved Honors co-curricular event.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
The story of the Berlin Wall is one of division and repression, but also of the yearning for freedom. Social Science faculty Dr. Paul Hietter (History); Sylwia Cavalcant, MLS (Economics); and Dr. Brian Dille (Political Science) recently examined the history, economics, and politics of this pivotal event and its long-term impact on global freedom. The presentation was conducted in-person and online via Zoom on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 in SC-11E (S&D campus).
LUNCHTIME LECTURE SERIES - SPRING 2023
Poverty and Wealth Inequality: Comparing the Histories of Poland and the United States
Social Science residential faculty Sylwia Cavalcant (Economics); Cultural Science residential faculty Paul Harasha (Sociology); and Cultural Science adjunct faculty Rod Golden (Sociology), recently presented an insightful and thought-provoking dialogue to students and staff on Poverty and Wealth Inequality: Comparing the Histories of Poland the United States, communism, and democracy concepts. The lecture was conducted in person and via Google Meet on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
The Rise of Populism in America
Social Science's residential faculty Courtney Smith (History); Debbie Henney (Economics); and Dr. Brian Dille (Political Science) recently shared the history, economics, and politics of populist movements in America. Although things may seem a little off in America right now, it’s not the first time this has happened. Attendees gained a better understanding on the ideology behind populism, and the "us vs. them" sentiments that have gained momentum in the U.S. and other countries. This lecture was conducted in-person and via live stream on Wednesday, April 19, 2023.
The Politics of Nationalism and Extremism
Presenters Dr. Viola Fuentes (Political Science), and her student, Zachary Egan, provided attendees an informative and in-depth discussion on the impact that nationalism and extremism had on Manifest Destiny and Executive Order 9066 (Japanese Internment Camps), and how extremism is shown in contemporary events such as the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol and the mysterious attacks on power stations across the U.S. This lecture was conducted in-person and via live stream on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.
Why are Republicans Losing Elections in Arizona?
Republicans have won most elections in Arizona for the past 70 years, but they have lost the past three statewide elections. Professor Dille provided an overview on why Democrats did much better than expected in the recent Midterm elections at both the national and state levels, and what these results meant for the future. This lecture was conducted in-person and via live stream on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
LUNCHTIME LECTURE SERIES - FALL 2022
The Effects of Debt on Mental Health
Presenters Sylwia Cavalcant, Residential Faculty/Economics; Nicole Collins, Chief Diversity Officer; and Nathan Terlisner, Residential Faculty/Counseling, provided an overview on how much debt impacts historically underrepresented and underserved communities, together with helpful tips and strategies on how to manage one's thinking, emotions, and behaviors when it comes to finances. The presentation was held on Wednesday, October 26, 2022.
Ballot Overview
Sometimes ballot propositions are written such that up means down and yes means no. Dr. Brian Dille, Political Science Professor, recently discussed the pros and cons for this year's propositions during Civic Action Hour on Wednesday, October 19, 2022.
The Long Walk of the Navajo
In support of Native American Heritage Month, the Social Science Department and American Indian Institute recently collaborated to discuss the historical, political, and economic consequences of this infamous "400-mile walk," in which the U.S. government forced the relocation of 9,500 Navajo (Diné) people from 1863 to 1868.
Dr. Viola Fuentes, Political Science Professor, and Samuel Stevens, II, Student Services Specialist with the American Indian Institute, were the presenters of this lecture on Tuesday, October 11th, 2022.
Update on the Russo-Ukraine War
Social Science faculty recently held a follow up to their spring 2022 discussion on the Russo-Ukrainian War on September 27, 2022. Dr. Brian Dille, Political Science Professor, and Dr. Paul Hietter, History Professor, were the presenters of this lecture.
The Russo-Ukrainian War of 2022
MCC’s Social Science faculty held an open forum on the Russo-Ukrainian War on Thursday, April 14, 2022. The presenters and their respective topics included:
- Russia and Ukraine Since the End of the Cold War—Dr. Paul Hietter, History
- The Geopolitics of Putin’s Gamble—Dr. Brian Dille, Political Science
- The Impact of Sanctions on “Fortress Russia”—Sylwia Cavalcant, Economics