Welcome to Social Science's "Lunchtime Lecture Series" Page!
Listed below are the prior and upcoming lectures presented by MCC's Social Science faculty and guest speakers to help broaden student learning, engagement, and knowledge, about past and current U.S. and global affairs.
LUNCHTIME LECTURE SERIES - SPRING 2024
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 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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
You can view and listen to the recorded session here:
https://maricopa.webex.com/maricopa/ldr.php?RCID=6e2334f75766f51a5435805d2bbffeff
Password: Socialscience2023
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The Politics of Nationalism and Extremism
Presenters Dr. Viola Fuentes (Political Science), and her student, Zachary Egan, provided attendees an informative and indepth 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.
You can view and listen to the recorded session here:
https://maricopa.webex.com/maricopa/ldr.php?RCID=772b4313bb16477ca0a1cb4777eef73d
Password: SocialScience23
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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 statewise 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.
You can view and listen to the recorded session here:
https://maricopa.webex.com/maricopa/ldr.php?RCID=4dd9f99a240a89d223193435e0a7909f
Recording password: Dillelecture3723
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.
You can view and listen to the recorded session here:
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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.
You can view and listen to the recorded session here:
https://www.mesacc.edu/community-civic-engagement/events-opportunities/civic-action-hour
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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.
You can view and listen to the recorded session here:
https://maricopa.webex.com/maricopa/ldr.php?RCID=5c84e627e109440660a3b82657f9bb6e
Recording password: SocialScience2022
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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.
You can view and listen to the recorded session here:
https://maricopa.webex.com/recordingservice/sites/maricopa/recording/3a5...
Recording password: SocialScience2022
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The Russo-Ukrainian War of 2022
MCC’s Social Science faculty held an open forum on the Russo-Ukrainian War on Thursday, Apri 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
You can view and listen to the recorded forum here: