True Blue Core
TBC Civic Learning Sidewalk Talks
Welcome to our True Blue Core Civic Learning Sidewalk Talks. Civic learning is one of eight new student learning in our newly launched general education curriculum, the True Blue Core. We chose to highlight the civic learning outcome because of the 2024 presidential election. We did iphone recordings of each presenter. You can see the videos by clicking on the links below. You can also go straight to Youtube and watch the playlist: https://www.youtube.com/@TrueBlueCore
Sidewalk Talk # 1 What is the electoral college?
Michael Federici, Department of Political and Global Affairs
Wednesday, September 05, 2024, 12:30, Peck Hall Courtyard.
View handout here: Federici Handout!
SEE VIDEO HERE: Michael Federici Sidewalk Talk (Apologies for poor sound quality. Use the handout to follow along.)
Sidewalk Talk #2 When and why was the voting age lowered?
Amy Sayward, Department of History
Thursday, September 12, 2024, 12:45, Library Quad
Use the QR code to access an article by Dr. Sayward on the youth vote
SEE VIDEO HERE: Amy Sayward Sidewalk Talk
Sidewalk Talk #3 How do I register to vote?
Mary Evins, American Democracy Project
Academic Classroom Building
SEE VIDEO HERE: Mary Evins Sidewalk Talk
Sidewalk Talk #4 Branches of government/checks and balances
Ann Mulhearn, Department of History
Friday, October 18, 2024, 12:30 Peck Hall Courtyard
(Rescheduled)
SEE VIDEO HERE: Ann Mulhearn Sidewalk Talk
Sidewalk Talk #5 How does the Supreme Court work?
David Trowbridge, Department of Political and Global Affairs
Thursday, October 3, 2024, 12:45 Peck Hall Courtyard
SEE VIDEO HERE: David Trowbridge Sidewalk Talk
Sidewalk Talk #6 How have the internet and AI shaped political discourse?
Roberta Chevrette, Department of Communication Studies
Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 12:30 Library Quad
SEE VIDEO HERE: Roberta Chevrette Sidewalk Talk
Sidewalk Talk #7 How does the American court system work?
Elizabeth Wright, Department of Criminal Justice Administration
Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 12:30, Academic Classroom Building
See the handout here: Elizabeth Wright Handout!
SEE VIDEO HERE: Elizabeth Wright Sidewalk Talk
Sidewalk Talk #8 How does inflation work, Federal Reserve?
Dan Smith and Stuart Fowler, Department of Economics and Finance
Wednesday October 23, 2024, 12:30, Honors College Courtyard
SEE VIDEO HERE: Fowler and Smith Sidewalk Talk
Sidewalk Talk #9 How of I find my voting location?
Cyrana Dowell, Department of History
Thursday, October 31, 2024, 12:45 Peck Hall Courtyard
See the handout: Handout!
SEE VIDEO HERE: Cyrana Dowell Sidewalk Talk
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Director of the True Blue Core
Susan Myers-Shirk, Ph.D.
Professor of History
Assistant Director
Dr. Christina Cobb
Associate Professor, University Studies
Administrative Coordinator
Abby Arnold
Graduate Assistant
Molly Walters
Contact Information
core@mtsu.edu
615-898-5624
Institutional Memberships
- Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U)
- Association for General & Liberal Studies (AGLS)