Government Spring 2007

REQUIRED READING:

· We the People

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Three-ring binder notebooks, appropriate writing utensils, note-taking paper and a positive attitude towards success.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Government is a one semester course that offers an issue-oriented approach in the study of the government of the United States. The course is designed to acquaint students with core characteristics and values of our government.

By the end of the course, students should have completed the following course objectives:

1. An understanding of the institutional, cultural and social forces that have shaped our government.

2. Develop a framework for understanding modern day issues and problems based on their respective histories

3. An examination of the forces and issues that currently dominate the American political arena and the historical relevance of current events and issues.

COURSE EXPECTATIONS:

Readings: Students are expected to read assigned passages from the required reading list prior to class meetings as well as outside materials as is necessary. Students should also be prepared to read on a regular basis. Their will be frequent quizzes to reward this behavior at the start of each class. If the student is late, they will not be admitted to the class until the assessment is completed.

Assignments: All assignments and exams will be due on their assigned dates. In most cases, late work will only be accepted for half credit. Sloppy, cluttered, or inappropriately formatted assignments will not be accepted. Students are expected to complete all assignments and examinations on time. Although students are expected to see the instructor about missed or late work, a "study buddy" is encouraged. Students are also expected to check the course web page on a regular basis. Finally, being absent the day before an assignment or exam does not excuse a student from taking that exam (except in unusual circumstances).

Methods of Evaluation: All work will be graded on a point system. Reading quizzes are worth 25 points and Opportunity Papers are worth 100 points. There will be projects assigned throughout the term that will also add to the total points for the grade. Opportunity Papers will be worth 50 percent of the students overall grade. Students must submit the Opportunity Papers on time, but they are allowed to rewrite the papers as often as they wish for a higher grade. All rewritten papers must be accompanied with the previous graded paper and score sheet. I will not reassess papers without the these attachments.

No late work will be accepted, assignments are expected to be turned in at the designated time.

Class Participation: Studies have consistently shown that students who participate in class discussions and activities are more likely to grasp learning objectives. Class participation, or a lack thereof, will make a difference in one’s grade.

Attendance: Regular class attendance is strongly recommended since a majority of the course will involve group discussions and activities that will aid in an understanding of the material. Students with unexcused absences will not be allowed to turn in work for that day. Students who miss reading quizzes will have to replace the grade with an equivalent assignment.

Parental Input: This instructor recognizes parents and guardians as the primary educators of students. As such, parents and guardians will be used as resources making students motivated and successful learners. The PASS system will be updated before scheduled grading periods.

PROCEDURES FOR EVALUATION:

Grades will be based on unit exams, quizzes, papers, and projects. All grades will be assessed on a point system. Extra credit will be given at the discretion of the instructor.

Students who do not show up for the scheduled exam as well as the scheduled make up exam will receive zero points

Grading Scale:

90% - 100% = A

80% - 89% = B

70% - 79% = C

60% - 69% = D

<60% = F

THE MOST IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITY OF ANY INSTRUCTOR IS TO HIS/HER STUDENTS. PLEASE SEE THE INSTRUCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF PROBLEMS ARISE. IN NEARLY ALL CASES, THEY CAN BE WORKED OUT TO THE SATISFACTION OF BOTH THE STUDENT AND THE INSTRUCTOR.

THIS SYLLABUS CAN BE AMENDED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE INSTRUCTOR.

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Government

Mr. Rexford

I have read and understand the contents of this syllabus.

Student Signature ________________________________________________

Parent Signature ________________________________________________