Lecture series will spotlight current public issues

A new lecture series will provide a space for the campus community to discuss public issues and gain an understanding of democratic principles, processes and history. 

The series, "Democracy 101: A Series of Critical Conversations," is organized by the Community Service Learning Center in the Office of Student Life. The first lecture will take place February 15 and address the challenges faced by third parties. 

Melissa Baker-Boosamra, associate director for Student Life, said lectures will focus on timely topics about the nation's democracy.

"We want to provide an opportunity to engage campus members in conversation about the challenges our democratic system is currently facing, as well as providing skills to address those challenges," she said. 

Lectures will take place in the Kirkhof Center on the Allendale Campus; details are highlighted below. All events are approved for LIB 100 classes. 

Elections and Two-Party Systems: Why Third Parties Have It Rough; February 15, noon-1 p.m., room 2215

Presenter: Heather Tafel, associate professor of political science

Do Protests Matter?; February 22, noon-1 p.m., room 2270

Presenter: Louis Moore, associate professor of history and coordinator and African/African American Studies

The Path to Dictatorship: How Hitler Consolidated Power (1933-34); February 28, 4:30-6 p.m. room 2263

Presenter: Gary Stark, professor emeritus of history

The Role of Media in a Democracy; March 1, noon-1 p.m., room 2204

Presenters: Len O'Kelly, assistant professor of multimedia journalism; Katie Gordon, program manager of the Kaufman Interfaith Institute and coordinator of Campus Interfaith Resources; Elizabeth Psyck, government documents librarian for University Libraries. 

Who Can Participate? Asian Immigration and Exclusion in the U.S.; March 13, noon-1 p.m., room 2266

Presenter: Kimberly McKee, assistant professor of liberal studies and director of Kutsche Office of Local History

GVSU Civic Reporters Info Session: Become a Civic Reporter; March 15, noon-1 p.m, room 2204

Presenters: Eric Harvey, assistant professor of communications; Melissa Baker Boosamra, associate director of Student Life; and Elizabeth Rogers-Drouillard, The Rapidian

For more information, visit gvsu.edu/service/democracy.