With a start this past spring and continuing through the 2024 elections, PSIA faculty members are again presenting and leading a series of community discussions on various current political science-related topics.  The presentation series, UNDERSTANDING AMERICA: Discussions on Democracy, is sponsored by the Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) Speaker Series. As was the case last year, this program is an excellent UNG/Community event that not only displays UNG faculty but also the willingness of the PSIA faculty to support community efforts. Our hope is that this speaker series will provide clarification and understanding of some of the most pressing aspects of the times we live in. 

Dr. Cavalli discusses the Presidency

Throughout the summer and fall, PSIA faculty members will address topics framed around democracy in America. Sessions are held every first Sunday of the month and consist of a 45-minute presentation and a 45-minute discussion session where the audience is both encouraged and welcomed to engage. While the target audience is primarily Forsyth County citizens, all UNG students, and any other guests are encouraged to attend. This is an opportunity to create generational bridges on issues that affect all of us.  

Come, listen, engage, and share with PSIA and our neighboring community. 

Below is the list of topics and speakers: 

April – Dr. Glen Smith – Political Polarization 

May – Dr. Carl Cavalli – Evolution of the Presidency 

June – Dr. Jaimie Kelley – Public Policy Structures and Processes 

July – Dr. Eric Wilk – Election Forecasting and Polling 

August – Dr. Glen Smith – Partisan Media 

September – Dr. Charles “Trey” Wilson – Federalism and its Impacts on the System 

October – Dr. Joe Gershtenson – The Reasons and Importance of the Electoral College 

November – Drs. Carl Cavalli, Joe Gershtenson, Nathan Price and Eric Wilk – Trends and Predictions leading into Election Day 

 [Author: Morgan Adams, PS ’24]