ý Government Syllabus
2016-2017
Miss McCoskey
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves.” Rom. 13:1-2
Course Overview:
This course focuses on the philosophical, legal and historic foundations as well as major institutions of government with special focus on the United States of America. Students become acquainted with the functions of democracy in the Republic by an in-depth study of the three branches of the government, political parties, and political events. Students will also learn about personal finance and the United Nations. A senior project focusing on Pacific Rim countries or non-USA countries of origin will be completed during the second semester. Throughout the course, we will study current events from around the world.
Classroom Rules:
The classroom guidelines are expressed in the Student Handbook. Clarification of the rules are as follows:
· Students are expected to be in their seats beginning class work when the bell rings with the following:
-- Laptop (required)
– pen (blue or black ink) and/or pencils
-- notebook only for Government (optional)
– Government textbook or online access: with a book cover
– ready to participate (completed homework, alert, good attitude)
Failure to do so results in loss of participation points.
· No food or drink (except water in a closed container) allowed
· Students will respect one another and the teacher. Each person is created in God’s image. Interrupting, demeaning, or disrespecting someone else’s thoughts and/or comments will NOT be tolerated.
Discipline Policy:
Students attending Morrison Academy are expected to be able to conduct themselves according to classroom rules and guidelines. When this does not occur, the following procedures will be followed:
1st offense – loss of participation points
2nd offense – participation points lost and informal meeting with the teacher
3rd offense – conference with the teacher and a call home to parents
4th offense – referral to the office
Laptop use: you will be using your laptop daily to take notes -- including looking for information and images on the internet. The expectation is that students will be using technology to help promote a learning environment. Chatting, gaming, doing other course work, email & other social networking is NEVER appropriate use of technology in class. Students will be deducted participation points (without warning). Repeated violations will be dealt with accordingly.
Homework Policy:
Unless teacher directed, all homework is to be done by the individual student, without the “help” of other students or adults. Any assignment where cheating (plagiarism, copying, etc) occurred will result in 0 points being awarded. If it is established that cheating did occur, the incident will be referred to the Principal and discipline board in addition to classroom discipline.
Homework will receive a 10% deduction for each day that it is late. A fully and thoughtfully completed late work assignment will not receive more than a 50% deduction. It is still important to turn in assignments to complete the course. Late work should be placed in the red bin by the teacher’s desk and the student should attach a completed “Late Work” form. Excused absences will be treated according to the Student Handbook. Students should be able to access assignments on Student Connect and in the classroom. When in doubt, consult fellow students or teacher (email or call).
Students who will be absent are required to seek the information ahead of time (i.e. off-island tournaments, mission trip, college visits). Students will not be able to make up any work until it can be verified that the absence was an excused absence. In the event of an unexcused absence, the work may receive a zero.
Grading Policy:
Quarter Grades will be awarded by the following system:
Tests (approx. 3-4 per Quarter) 40%
Homework, Journal assignments 20%
Projects and Papers (1-2 per Quarter) 30%
Class Participation 10%
Semester Grade will be determined by the following system:
Semester 1: Semester 2: Q1 + Q2 = 90% Q3 = 45%
Sem Final=10% Q4 = 45%
Sem Final=10%
Open Door Policy:
If a student would like some extra help with the material or a project, PLEASE contact me. I am more than willing to find time to help. Stop by my classroom during my free periods, email (), or call me at home 0905-353-983. Please call before 10 pm.
NOTE: I’d rather receive an email that tells me you are having computer/printer problems as soon as they occur rather than you telling me that seconds before you are supposed to turn something in and do not have it. I am much more merciful if I have a heads-up that there is a problem and you have tried multiple things to solve it to no avail.