AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 2016-2017 Coach Jones

Room 107

American government is a course designed to give the student a general understanding of the development of the American form of government, the principles upon which it is based, and the manner in which it operates. Upon completion of the course, the student will be familiar with the basic principles of the federal government, the powers of the branches of government and how those branches interact, the factors affecting popular participation in government, the extent of the rights and civil liberties, government impact on the economy, and the functions of state and local government.

The state standards and the Knox County curriculum guide can be found at

http://www.tennessee.gov/education/standards/social_studies/SS_US_Government_Civics.pdf

Topics to be covered

  1. Principles of government (6 days)
  2. Branches of government (4 days)
  3. The Supreme Court and the Constitution(4 days)
  4. Powers of the federal government (4 days)
  5. Elections and the political process (7 days)
  6. Influence of the media (2 days)
  7. Rights and responsibilities of citizens (4 days)
  8. Fundamentals of a free society (4 days)
  9. Civil rights ( 3 days)
  10. The federal government and the economy(4 days)
  11. Tennessee state and local government (5 days)

Resources:

Textbook: Magruder’s American Government

Possible Audio-visual: The American Presidents, Eyes on the Prize, The murder of Emmet Till

The Plea , The Supreme Court, other appropriate video presentations

All of the above programs are produced by PBS. If you do not approve of a specific resource listed in this syllabus, please make your request to me in writing and an alternative assignment and/or materials will be provided. The request should include your name, the child's name, the specific activity/materials in which you do not want your child to participate or to which you do not want them exposed, and the nature of your objection.

MATERIALS NEEDED

  1. Paper and pencil / pen everyday
  2. Your textbook: Magruder’s American Government
  3. Three ring binder or three ring folder

FEES

No fee for this class.

ASSESSMENT:

EXPECTATIONS

  1. Be on time to class.
  2. Be prepared for class every day.
  3. Treat the classroom and its contents with respect.
  4. Respect the rights of others to learn.
  5. Assignments must be turned in on time.
  6. Cell phones, games, etc. are not allowed in class.
  7. DO WHAT’S RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GRADING POLICY & ASSIGNMENTS

Grading for the class comes from a variety of sources. Some of the major areas will include:

  1. Daily Work: will count “as is”
  2. Quizzes: on videos, films, & vocabulary (worth 20 to 40 pts.)
  3. Chapter Quizzes: at the conclusion of each chapter (worth 40 to 50 pts.)
  4. Unit Test: at the conclusion of each unit (worth 150 pts.)
  5. End of Course Exam: comprehensive final exam (worth 25% of final average)
  6. Extra Credit: given periodically (review games, review sheets, etc.)

Grading is done on a total points basis. Generally, the total points for a semester are about 2,000 to 2,300. Your average will be the number of points you earn divided by the total number of points available. For example, the total points available were 2,300 and you earned 2,000.

2,000 / 2,300 = .869 or 87%

Grading Scale

A 93-100, B 85-92, C 75-84, D 70-74, F 69-below

MAKE-UP/LATE WORK POLICY:

Assignments are due on the given due date. If you are absent you are responsible for any work you may have missed and you will have three days to complete the assignment and have it turned in. Any assignments that are not turned in will then become a zero.

ASPEN POLICY:

Grades can be accessed on the Aspen Grade Book System at anytime. Grades will be updated on the system by Friday of each week.

STUDENTS:

ATTENDANCE POLICY

  1. You are responsible for all work missed. Anything not made up will be a zero.
  2. You are responsible for getting your make-up work.

HONOR CODE

Students are responsible for their own work if cheating occurs a zero will be given for that assignment and a write up will also be sent to the office.

TEACHER:

COMMUNICATION STRATEGY

My planning period is as follows: E-mail address:

1st term:2:00 - 3:30

2nd term:2:00 - 3:30

INTERVENTION STRATEGY

I am available for makeup/tutoring after school but a time and date must be arranged. We will also have Wednesday available for both makeup and tutoring.

Board Policy I-‐431
Issued: 7/95 Revised 6/08

The Board affirms that it is essential that the teaching about religion—and not of a religion be conducted in a
factual, objective, and respectful manner in accordance with the following:

Music, art, literature, or drama with a religious theme or basis are permitted as part of the curriculum for school‐sponsored activities and programs, provided it is essential to the learning experience in the various fields of study and is presented objectively; The emphasis on religious themes in the arts, literature, and history shall be only as extensive as necessary for a balanced and comprehensive study of these areas. Such studies shall never foster any particular religious tenets or demean any religious beliefs; and
Student-‐initiated expressions to questions or assignments which reflect their beliefs or non-‐beliefs about a religious theme shall be accommodated. For example, students are free to express religious belief or non‐belief in compositions, art forms, music, speech, and debate.