Draft 5 (08AUG14)
SAUL O SIDORE LECTURE SERIES THE STATE OF DEMOCRACY Americans traditionally consider our political sys-
February 5: Kay Schlozman
tem to be the premier model of democracy that
Boston College
others throughout the world wish to emulate. But
Unequal Political Voice and the Broken Promise of
the democratic nature of our institutions cannot be
American Democracy
taken for granted. Headlines in the news—about
Why some constituencies in the United States have
growing inequality, money in politics, changes in
more influence over the political process than
voter registration laws, government surveillance,
others and how it jeopardizes democratic equality.
and setbacks of democratic movements in various parts of the world—suggest now is a good time to
March 9: Toyin Falola
reflect on the state of democracy in the United
University of Texas at Austin
States and elsewhere.
Convention, Culture and Corruption: Democracy in Africa
September 11: Lawrence Lessig
The obstacles facing many African nations as they
Harvard University
attempt to establish more democratic political
How New Hampshire Saved America
systems.
The corrupting role of money in politics and how the “New Hampshire Rebellion” is addressing the
April 7: Martin Gilens
problem.
Princeton University Is the United States a Democracy or an Oligarchy?
October 21: Thomas Patterson
Does the American political system represent the
Harvard University
interests of the economic elite at the expense of
News and Democracy:
others and what reforms would give greater
Why Are Citizens So Misinformed?
political voice to ordinary citizens?
A healthy democracy depends upon a well-informed citizenry, but why is it so difficult to obtain accurate
All Sidore lectures take place in the Smith Recital
information?
Hall at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Advance reservations for tickets are encouraged
November 17: Erin O’Brien
and can be made by calling the Silver Center Box
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Office at (603) 535-ARTS (2787). The conversation
Voting Laws Are Racist
continues with a reception and refreshments
The recent legislative efforts to restrict voter
following each lecture. For more information visit
access and the implications for our democracy.
plymouth.edu/sidore.
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Silver Center 2014-15 program brochure/calendar. Folded siz Prints four-color-process and bleeds all four sides.