2008 Woodie Awards
Constitution withstands test of time
Constitution Day lectures set for Sept. 17
Tanya Gorsh
Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
"We the people" may be one of the most famous beginnings of a historical document and now students can learn more about the democratic process and obtain a deeper understanding of the root of politics. Kirkwood Community College gives students that opportunity by hosting the annual Constitution Day activities on Sept. 17.
"The Constitution affects the lives of students and everyone else at Kirkwood in countless ways," said Dr. Steve Owen, a social sciences instructor. "Our goals for Constitution Day are to underscore and examine how various aspects of the Constitution serve as the key framework for governance and rights."
Nationally recognized as Constitution Day, Sept. 17 marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. An amendment added by Sen. Robert Byrd in 2004 requires all colleges that receive federal funding to conduct an educational program close to Constitution Day each year. Kirkwood was in the planning stages of an annual presentation involving the Constitution as part of a citizenship education theme even before the federal mandate three years ago.
"Kirkwood believes that we have a serious obligation to the students and the public to provide learning opportunities and discussion on important topics as they relate to the Constitution," said Kathleen Van Steenhuyse, dean of social sciences. "We also believe that meeting the needs of an informed citizenry is part of promoting 'Learning for Your Lifetime' which is part of our institutional mission."
The day will consist of three panel discussions, with the first two to be held on the main campus and the third panel in Iowa City. These lectures are free to the public and are designed for conversation and interaction with the audience. Both panels at the main campus will be conducted in Iowa Hall rooms A-D.
The first panel runs from 8-10 a.m. and is titled, "We the People/We the Peoples." Panel members will discuss the impacts of constitutionalism and conflictual contexts. Speakers for this panel include Jeremy Brigham, Thomas Flagel, George Patterson and Laura Yost.
The second panel runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is titled, "Economics, Inequality and the Constitution." Panel members will discuss the American economy and the public and private sectors. Speakers for this panel include Saul Mekies, Emanuel Asigbee, Mark Pelzer and Eric Miller.
The third panel will be held in the commons area at the Iowa City campus from 1:30-3 p.m. and is titled, "Recontextualizing Leadership and the Community: The Humanities in the Civic Realm." Panel members will discuss key dimensions in the critical issues of leadership and enhancing our roles as citizens. Speakers for this panel include Scott Samuelsen, David Bullwinkle, Dr. Robert Sessions and Bill Stevens.
"The Constitution affects the lives of students and everyone else at Kirkwood in countless ways," said Dr. Steve Owen, a social sciences instructor. "Our goals for Constitution Day are to underscore and examine how various aspects of the Constitution serve as the key framework for governance and rights."
Nationally recognized as Constitution Day, Sept. 17 marks the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. An amendment added by Sen. Robert Byrd in 2004 requires all colleges that receive federal funding to conduct an educational program close to Constitution Day each year. Kirkwood was in the planning stages of an annual presentation involving the Constitution as part of a citizenship education theme even before the federal mandate three years ago.
"Kirkwood believes that we have a serious obligation to the students and the public to provide learning opportunities and discussion on important topics as they relate to the Constitution," said Kathleen Van Steenhuyse, dean of social sciences. "We also believe that meeting the needs of an informed citizenry is part of promoting 'Learning for Your Lifetime' which is part of our institutional mission."
The day will consist of three panel discussions, with the first two to be held on the main campus and the third panel in Iowa City. These lectures are free to the public and are designed for conversation and interaction with the audience. Both panels at the main campus will be conducted in Iowa Hall rooms A-D.
The first panel runs from 8-10 a.m. and is titled, "We the People/We the Peoples." Panel members will discuss the impacts of constitutionalism and conflictual contexts. Speakers for this panel include Jeremy Brigham, Thomas Flagel, George Patterson and Laura Yost.
The second panel runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is titled, "Economics, Inequality and the Constitution." Panel members will discuss the American economy and the public and private sectors. Speakers for this panel include Saul Mekies, Emanuel Asigbee, Mark Pelzer and Eric Miller.
The third panel will be held in the commons area at the Iowa City campus from 1:30-3 p.m. and is titled, "Recontextualizing Leadership and the Community: The Humanities in the Civic Realm." Panel members will discuss key dimensions in the critical issues of leadership and enhancing our roles as citizens. Speakers for this panel include Scott Samuelsen, David Bullwinkle, Dr. Robert Sessions and Bill Stevens.
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