US GOVERNMENT and POLITICS
2007 – Mr. Whitwam
Course
Description
This is a one semester social science course in American government and politics. The main purpose is to help students deepen their understanding of the governmental problems and institutions of the nation in which they live. Instructional methods will encourage students to demonstrate learning in a variety of ways, work cooperatively with other students, and develop responsibility and reliability.
In
this course students will compare systems of government in the world today and
analyze the life and changing interpretations of the Constitution, the Bill of
Rights, and the current state of the legislative, executive, and judicial
branches of government. An emphasis is
placed on analyzing the relationship among federal, state, and local
governments, with particular attention paid to important historical documents
which form the foundation of our democracy.
These standards represent the culmination of civic literacy as students
prepare to vote, participate in community activities, and assume the
responsibilities of citizenship.
1.
Origins
and Values of Democracy
2.
Federalism
3.
Constitution
4.
Legislative
Branch
5.
Executive
Branch
6.
Judicial
Branch
7.
Campaigns
and Elections
8.
Civil
Liberties/Civil Rights
Students
will be given a copy of Magruder’s American Government to use during the
semester. The replacement cost of the
book is $70. Should a student lose or
damage their book, they will be assessed accordingly. Students will need to bring
·
Notebook: Mead, 5 Star, college ruled
·
Pencil,
Pen (black or blue ink only)
·
Glue
Stick, Scissors
Course Work
1. Homework/Classwork
a. Written homework will be assigned with every reading assignment and will be turned in on the due date.
b. Bell assignments will be assigned at the start of every class.
c. Notes will be assigned with every reading assignment and those are due the following day.
d. A reading quiz is assigned to accompany every reading and will be taken at the beginning of every class.
e. Political essays are assigned every unit and are due on the date given.
Work will be assigned every day. This work will be collected at the beginning
of class the following day. If it is
not turned in when I ask for it then it will not be accepted. This means no late work: not a day late or even later the same
period. If you are absent it is your
responsibility to ask me for the work missed, if you leave the class without
receiving the work then you will not be allowed to make up the work. You will be allowed two days to make up the
work.
2. Chapter Quizzes
Chapter quizzes will be given at the end of each chapter. Unlike reading quizzes you are not allowed to use your notes.
3. Class Attendance/Participation
Each day you are in class and participating you will receive points. If you are absent and it is excused then you will need to do a current event assignment to make up the points you lost. If your absence is not excused then you may not receive any points for the day you cut.
4. Project
Late work for projects: Late group or individual projects will not be accepted if they are unexcused. Projects may be kept by the teacher.
5. Tests
Tests are a combination of multiple choice and essay. If you miss a test I will offer a make-up by individual appointment. Retakes are not offered for make up tests. Re-Looks, or grab-backs will be offered to earn back 1/3 a point for each question missed. Also, there will be NO curves on tests. I am available most days after school for individual help.
Grading:
1. I use percentages (not a point system) so you will always know exactly how you are doing in the course. Grades are NOT rounded up, so a 79.9% is a really good “C+”. If you want the higher grade you need to do make sure you complete all the work assigned, prepare for tests, and set up appointments with me to help you better understand the material. Your semester grade will be calculated as follows:
Your grade will be based on a point system. Successful students will attend class
regularly, come to class on time, participate in class, and do all assigned
work. Points are assigned every day
of class.
The grades are weighted as follows:
·
Tests:
25%
·
Final
Exam:
15%
·
Projects: 10%
·
Quizzes:
10%
·
HW/Notebook:
20%
·
Class
Participation 10%
·
Current
Events 10%
Everything receives points. Grades are based on a cumulative point
total throughout the entire semester.
Do Not ask for extra credit or for me to round up
your grade. You need to do the work
assigned to bring your grade up to where you want it. Remember you have to pass this class in order to graduate. Don’t blow it off.
2. GRADING SCALE:
93-100% = A 83-86% = B 73-76 = C 63-66% = D
90-92 = A- 80-82% = B- 70-72% = C- 60-63% = D-
87-89% = B+ 77-79% = C+ 67-69% = D+ 00-59% = F
Students will meet the Million Word Challenge as set
forth by the PVUSD. This will be
addressed by student choice from a reading list provided by the teacher or from
prior approval by the teacher. The
evaluation process may include a report, an oral presentation, or a PowerPoint
presentation.
Students will adhere to the following simple rules:
·
Let
me Teach! When I am talking you need to
listen, pay attention, and not interrupt the lesson.
·
Be
prepared! Come to class with all
required materials, this includes completed assignment, notebook, pencils and
pens.
·
Respect! Respect me by coming on time, prepared, and
ready to learn. Respect other students
by listening to others when they are talking and by responding in a positive
manner.
·
NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES ALLOWED!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I will confiscate and
return to your parents)
·
Hats
are not allowed in the classroom
If you fail to follow the class rules the results
will be:
1)
Teacher
addresses the problem (parent notification)
2)
Classroom
detention (parent notification)
3)
Classroom
suspension (parent notification)
4)
Parent
meeting