Reynolds College Blog

Political Science and Philosophy department’s Conversation Series continues April 9

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Missouri State University’s Department of Political Science and Philosophy will once again host its “Conversation Series” April 9 with “Trump’s America: A Nation at a Crossroads?”

The event will begin at 4 p.m. in Glass Hall, Room 101, with refreshments served at 3:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

Civil conversation between a Democrat and a Republican

Map of American with crossroads in the middle

Two influential authors and educators, a Democrat and a Republican, will discuss Donald Trump’s electoral victory and presidency. What does it mean for, and about, America, and why did he win?

The two speakers will conduct a civil conversation based on their knowledge of, and long experience in, American politics. [Read more…] about Political Science and Philosophy department’s Conversation Series continues April 9

Political Science and Philosophy department’s Conversation Series continues Feb. 22

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The Department of Political Science and Philosophy will hold its second “Conversation Series” event 4-5:45 p.m. Feb. 22, 2024, in Karls Hall 101.

Photo of Steven Smith of University of San Diego
Professor Steven Smith (Courtesy University of San Diego)

Guest speakers Steven Smith, J.D. and Sanford Levinson, Ph.D., J.D. will lead the audience in exploring the question “Does America Need a New Constitution?”

Smith is the Warren Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of San Diego, where he co-directs both the Institute for Law and Religion and the Institute for Law and Philosophy. He has held named professorships at the law schools at Notre Dame and University of Colorado.

Smith has also published nine books on many aspects of the law, with special emphasis on the Constitution and religious freedom. He earned his law degree from Yale University and his B.A. from Brigham Young University.

Levinson holds the Garwood Centennial Chair in Law at the University of Texas Law School at Austin. He taught politics at Princeton University and in numerous programs abroad, and he has held several visiting professorships.

Photo of Sanford Levinson Of University of Texas - Austin
Professor Sanford Levinson (Courtesy University of Texas – Austin)

Levinson has written seven books and hundreds of articles, reviews and commentaries on many constitutional issues, with a special emphasis on flaws in the U.S. Constitution and the need for a new constitutional convention.  He received his Ph.D. from Harvard, his J.D. from Stanford and his B.A. from Duke.

“Smith and Levinson are two of the most renowned experts on the constitution in the country,” said Dr. Christopher Lynch, professor and head of the Department of Political Science and Philosophy. “Both are experts not only on the U.S. Constitution but on constitutions as such.”

The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be available at 3:30 p.m., and the event will start at 4 p.m.

[Read more…] about Political Science and Philosophy department’s Conversation Series continues Feb. 22

Political science and philosophy department launches new Conversation Series

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With the goal of fostering civil and reasoned discussion of pressing political questions, the Department of Political Science and Philosophy at Missouri State University will launch a new Conversation Series in October.

The Conversation Series is inspired by the state of American politics and political discussion, according to Department Head Dr. Christopher Lynch.

“We think our college and university should weigh in on issues productively,” Lynch said. “Also, we believe we have the expertise in our department to do so, as well as the desire to bring in experts from other institutions and MSU departments.” [Read more…] about Political science and philosophy department launches new Conversation Series