Civics/Public Policy Syllabus

Mrs. Horowitz

What are the major themes in regards to civic ideas and practices?

How do we make good decisions for ourselves and the community?

Do you have a problem that you would like to work on which requires government involvement to reach a solution?

In the United Sates public policy is an agreed-upon way that our federal, state, or local governments fulfill their responsibilities, such as protecting the rights of individuals and promoting the general welfare of the people. Basically, it is what the government chooses to actually DO about a problem. In this class we will:

  • Explore the rights of citizens to say what they think government should do about problems in their community, state, nation, and throughout the world.
  • Explore the rights of citizens to try to influence the decisions people in government make about all these problems.
  • Learn how to settle conflicts in your own classroom and how conflict can be settled on a community level or a national level.
  • Discuss what can you as an individual do to make a difference, to be the change.
  • Discuss connections about what we read and hear, to major events in America’s past.
  • Understand that being a citizen isn’t simply a right that you are born into or that you acquire by naturalization. It is a responsibility and it is part of your challenge to ensure democracy.

By the end of this school year, you will be able to:

Use critical thinking skills to analyze and make connections between current events and their effect on your community, your state, your nation.

Learn the role of a citizen and how to participate in the different institutions that we have –community, governmental, city, school etc.

Study civics issues and make a positive and realistic contribution to your community.

Write a letter, voice an opinion pro or con to your city councilmen or state senator or elected officials in Washington D.C.

Research solutions to a problem and reflect on your results

Communicate and engage with your peers in both small and large discussion groups

Listen and respond in group settings, using critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Build vocabulary skills and understand applications of those skills in society

Present your thoughts and perspectives in a logical, organized manner

Respond thoughtfully to controversial topics and provide evidence for your positions

GRADING:

  • Class participation – must display appropriate behavior and be actively engage in the lesson to earn these points (50 points daily)
  • Tardies – must be in class and on time (10 points daily)
  • Vocabulary (20 points each)
  • Assignments (10-20 points each)
  • Group Discussions (20 points each)
  • Projects (50 points each)
  • Group Presentations (50 points each)

The majority of the activities and assignments will be worked on and completed in class, with minimal homework given, however students are responsible for completing make-up work (due to absences) on their own time.

Informal assessments will be administered through various activities and observations for the purpose of checking for understanding.

Appeals: Students may discuss point discrepancies with me by presenting their case in a professional, convincing manner. Disrespectful appeals are never considered.

Extra Credit:Initiative that is shown above and beyond what is asked for will be recognized with a BONUS of 5 to 20 points, depending on what is produced.

Final:Our final project at the end of the school year will challenge you to reflect on your view of government today and the norms and changes that you have personally seen. From there you will create/design/demonstrate a project that expresses your thoughts, based on what you have experienced and been affected by during the school year. Additional specifics will be discussed in the spring.

I look forward to watching you develop into model citizens and active assemblymen/women representing justice, equality and fairness, but more importantly, I want to see you in action as you:

  • sharpen your communication skills,
  • build your self-esteem
  • exercise a strong work ethic
  • expand your educated viewpoints

These important character qualities will benefit you for the rest of your lives!