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Moraine Valley Community College Library, Palos Hills, Illinois, USA. The Library PodCast includes audio from cultural events and interviews with faculty and scholars. This podcast is intended to enhance the larger Moraine Valley curriculum. The views expressed by guest speakers or audience members are their own and are not necessarily the official views of the Moraine Valley Community College board of trustees, staff, faculty, or administration.
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This event will explain what led to the U.S. government shutting down on October 1, 2025. We will discuss the factors that led to the shutdown, the positions of the Democrats and Republicans on the shutdown, and the impact on government workers, services, and politics in general.
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As the United States prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the War for Independence, this panel brings together MVCC historians to explore the defining moments of the Revolution and the lasting significance of the founding struggle.
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Using Our Power to Change Our Communities: A discussion led by the Workers Center for Racial Justice
Our communities are a reflection of the time and dedication we spend making them work. Whether through employment, interactions with your neighbors, or organizing with your elected officials, you get out of your community what you put into it. Join us for an interactive discussion about what is being put into our communities by ourselves and others…
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Argonne National Laboratory is a scientific hub with initiatives ranging from cancer research to quantum chemistry to astrophysics and cosmology. Dr. Wells will talk about his experience as a postdoctoral researcher and early-career computational scientist.
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Historian Jim McIntyre will explore how the North American theater of the Seven Years’ War laid the groundwork for colonial unrest and the birth of the American Revolution. McIntyre will examine the war’s political, economic, and territorial consequences that reshaped British-colonial relations.
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The breakdown of the Post-WWII system and implications on international relations in 2025 and beyond
In recent years, there have been a rapid increase in conflicts, wars and major disagreements between countries over numerous issues. Please join history professors Merri Fefles-Dunkle and Josh Fulton and political science professor Kevin Navratil as they examine the breakdown of the Post WWII international system and other factors that may have con…
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Join us for a special lecture exploring the work and legacy of Ursula K. Le Guin, one of the most influential voices in science fiction and fantasy. Dr. Rebecca Johns-Trissler of DePaul University will examine Le Guin’s themes of anarchism, gender, and imagination in works such as our One Book Text, The Dispossessed. This lecture invites students, …
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The Framers of the Constitution intentionally designed a “Madisonian” system with separation of powers and checks and balances. This event will briefly explain why the Framers designed the system they did and then examine how well these principles are holding up in 2025.
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This talk shares the story of Teófilo Stevenson, a prominent and dominant Afro-Cuban boxer whose decision to remain in Cuba following the Cuban Revolution of 1959 elevated him to the status of Cuban national hero and international sports celebrity; it also set off discourses about race and black athletic activism and Cuban exile culture and politic…
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As we mark the 100th anniversary of the historic Scopes Trial, this interdisciplinary panel will delve into the enduring significance of The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, a case that reshaped the cultural, legal, and educational landscape of America. Bringing together historians, political scientists, biologists, and philosophers, this …
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Participants will hear Dr. Haney’s leadership journey and gain valuable insight from Moraine Valley Community College's 6th president.
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Several faculty across disciplines will discuss the new media ecosystem and the impact this has had on politics and society.
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Political Science Professor Kevin Navratil discusses global trade with a special focus on tariffs and protectionism. He examines the benefits and drawbacks of both free trade and protectionism, exploring the potential implications on the global economy.
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MVCC students share their personal experiences and perspectives living with disabilities. This event offers a unique opportunity to learn about life inside and outside of the classroom. Panelists will highlight what they wish others understood about living with disabilities and how to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. This event i…
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The prospect of graduate school for any degree or program can seem like a lot. Join us for this interactive panel as faculty and administrators from across disciplines share their many experiences, and answer questions on how to approach what graduate school can involve.
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There have been numerous executive orders and new policy directions in the first few weeks of the second Trump Administration. Join us for a discussion regarding the resulting changes and the implications for the future.
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Marc DiPaolo, Assistant Professor of Humanities and author of War, Politics, and Superheroes will talk about what different superheroes mean to fans, focusing on their value systems, powers, race, gender, and personality. He will also consider how we relate to and what powers we wish we had tell us about ourselves and others.…
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Presentation by Dr. Heather Hayes, Assistant Professor of Special Education at Northwestern College. Dr. Hayes is an expert in special education, having served as a middle and high school special education teacher for seven years before pursuing both a master's degree and doctorate in the field.Her current research focuses on opportunities to learn…
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There have been numerous executive orders and new policy directions in the first few weeks of the second Trump Administration. Join us for a discussion regarding the resulting changes and the implications for the future.
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The MVCC Library is excited to welcome Dr. Paul Booth, a leading scholar from DePaul University specializing in fandom, pop culture, and media studies. Dr. Booth will delve into the ways media and fan communities shape culture, identity, and creativity in the digital age.
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MVCC Velocity students interview special guest Theresa Mah, Illinois State Representative from the 24th District. Representative Mah was the chief sponsor of the Dignity in Pay Act which eliminates subminimum wage for workers with disabilities.
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The structure of the international system has changed in the past generation and this has contributed to wide ranging implications on countries/states around the world. We will discuss how the international system is changing and how this might impact conflict, cooperation around shared global threats, and human security around the world. This even…
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The history of the Bishop Colony (1846-1860) includes assassination, religious debates, and an economic boom (and bust) of the Illinois Prairie. Bishop Hill helped lead the way for the development of the Western Illinois by Europeans. The Swedes at Bishop Hill followed their profit Eric Janson from Sweden to America. This talk will explore this his…
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Loyalty recipes, patriotic food trucks and Food Shows: A history of American World War I food and drink
Should your food choices be the way your community and the state determines if you’re in fact a patriotic or “good” American? In wartime America in 1917-1918…that absolutely happened. The history of food and drink in wartime America is a fascinating reality where a new federal organization, the Food Administration—sought to influence American food …
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During this presentation, an overview will be provided on the different definitions of homelessness, how it can impact individuals, and the available resources on campus to support students.
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Monsters often are shaped by our collective fears – and Mary Shelley, Bela Lugosi, and James Whale, some of the greatest architects and faces of horror narratives, are clear demonstrations of this. In this lecture we will discuss how the experiences of war deeply shaped the unconscious creation of monsters. Explore how authors and filmmakers have h…
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For nearly 50 years, Star Wars has made a tremendous impact on popular culture. Controversies surrounding the saga have shifted to issues of diversity and representation. Living in a world where the consumption of and meaning-making of pop culture have become a collective process, minoritized groups of Star Wars fans have been using their voices an…
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In collaboration with the Crisis Center of South Suburbia, this presentation will focus on the components that make up a healthy relationship, and how to address concerns that may escalate to signs of control or abuse. We will also discuss resources available to victims as well as how to support an individual who experiences abuse or violence in th…
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Join us for a student panel discussion, organized by the Library and the Anime Club, where passionate readers share their favorite Manga titles. Panel members will delve into the unique characteristics of various genres, offering insights into what makes each one special. Whether you're a seasoned Manga enthusiast or just curious, this event promis…
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This talk explores the significant impact language has on perceptions of disability. This lecture will delve into how word choice influences attitudes, shapes societal norms, and either promotes inclusion or perpetuates stigma.
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Neurodiversity, the understanding that many people think, process sensory information, and behave differently than others due to brain differences, is an emergent way of broadening our view of neurological variations, such as ADHD and the autism spectrum traditionally categorized as disability.
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Political Science faculty Merri Fefles-Dunkle, Dr. Deron Schreck, and Kevin Navratil will explain how the Electoral College works and which states will determine who our next president will be.
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Professors Merri Fefles-Dunkle, Dr. Deron Schreck and Kevin Navratil will examine the 2024 Election.
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MVCC faculty members across disciplines discuss the implications and realities of artificial intelligence here at MVCC and beyond.
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Faculty member Carey Millsap-Spears will discuss her new book, Star Trek Discovery and the Female Gothic: Tell Fear No. Join us to explore the intersection of science fiction and the scholarly themes of the female gothic. Millsap-Spears will share her perspectives on how "Star Trek Discovery" redefines these classic motifs for a modern audience.…
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Access and Accommodation: Introduction to the Center for Disability Services for Students and Faculty
This talk will provide an overview of the resources and support available to students at Moraine Valley to ensure an inclusive educational environment. This talk will cover the range of services offered, including academic accommodations, assistive technologies, and more.
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Moraine Valley political science faculty members Merri Fefles-Dunkle, Dr. Deron Schreck, and Kevin Navratil come together to update the state of the 2024 election. The September 10, 2024 debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was a major moment, but did it change much?
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Historically, deaf individuals faced discrimination and societal misconceptions. Over time, attitudes have shifted towards inclusivity and empowerment, recognizing the valuable contributions of the deaf community.
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Moraine Valley political science faculty members Merri Fefles-Dunkle, Dr. Deron Schreck, and Kevin Navratil come together to update the state of the 2024 election. It's been a month since the Moraine Valley political science faculty last met to talk.
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Rev. Brian Sauder discusses the connections between faith and environmental justice. Rev Sauder is the Executive Director of Faith in Place which is a nonprofit that partners with communities of faith from diverse religious traditions (and people who do not follow a faith) to advance environmental and racial justice. This event is part of the Libra…
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Discussion with women representing the Arab American professional community. The panelists, representing an array of professions, challenge stereotypes as they share their personal, educational and career journeys and provide insight about how they navigate a professional world that has preconceived notions about the communities they represent.…
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Congressman Sean Casten of Illinois' 6th District visits Moraine Valley. Mr. Casten meets with political science students as he discusses issues facing our country and our area.
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Faculty member and Democracy Commitment Coordinator, Kevin Navratil, interviews MVCC Trustee Tiffany Robinson. This interview is part of a series of interviews with Moraine Valley Community College Trustees.
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Faculty member and Democracy Commitment Coordinator, Kevin Navratil, interviews MVCC Trustee Patricia Joan Murphy. This interview is part of a series of interviews with Moraine Valley Community College Trustees.
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Faculty member and Democracy Commitment Coordinator, Kevin Navratil, interviews MVCC Trustee Tracy Sullivan. This interview is part of a series of interviews with Moraine Valley Community College Trustees.
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Addiction is often misunderstood, feared, and not spoken about openly. Let's get the conversation started! During this panel discussion, Moraine Valley faculty members; Amanda Pettigrew, Dave Wittenkeller, and Anni Rasmussen will discuss substance use addiction from their personal and professional experiences.…
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The Complete Character is Nowhere: The Evolution of Frankenstein and His Monster in Films, Comics, and Songs
Frankenstein’s monster has undergone a type of evolution beyond the pages of the novel that birthed him. He started as an agile creature who intentionally commits vengeful murders in the original novel to an inarticulate, childlike monster image of him that mostly came from the movies. The monster has become one of the most recognizable and well-kn…
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In the novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley presents us with a “monster” whose very existence is complex and difficult. The monster takes his abandonment, abuse, neglect, and maltreatment and turns it into hatred and revenge upon his creator. In this panel discussion, our psychology faculty members will use Frankenstein’s monster as a lens through whic…
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This year, 2024, is a leap year, which means that we add one extra day to our calendar. We have a leap year every four years, but this has not always been the case. Our modern calendars define so much about our lives. The hour of the day, the day of the week, and the month of the year, dictate when we go to school or work, when we celebrate holiday…
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Since its publication in 1818, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has an evolving legacy as a masterwork in exploring the complexity of the lived experience. The story and its main characters have often been an inflection point to discuss contemporary cultural issues, which have varied greatly in the last 200+ years. In this talk, we will explore how anxi…
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