University of San Diego Professors Andrew Tirrell (Political Science and International Relations) and Tom Reifer (Sociology) spoke on December 5 during lunch about civic engagement to interested students. They highlighted complex topics such as civic passivity and its effect on democracy, the recent election and change in administrations, and the importance of the first amendment. Dr. Riefer said he encourages his students to disagree with him. "Intellectually, it's a lot more interesting than agreeing with me because then I learn something new," he said. Next week, history teacher Phil Consuegra will bring his experience as a former political staffer to President George W. Bush, New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and multiple state and local elected officials to a discussion of how students can get involved with local government.