AP Government

Syllabus

James Clemens High School / Teacher: / Ms. Brandi Harper / "[click to insert name]"
11306 County Line Road
Madison, AL 35756 / Email: / / "[click to add name]" @madisoncity.k12.al.us
Phone: / 256-261-5313 ext. 95138 / 256-261-5313 ext. "[click to add ext.]"
I. / Course Description: / AP United States Government and Politics is an intensive study of the formal and informal structures of government and the processes of the American political system. It is heavily content-oriented and aims to further skill development through a rigorous course of study. Challenging assignments involving student reading, analysis, syntheses, and writing are given.
II. / Course Objectives: / This course is designed to prepare students for the AP Exam. The course is designed for the highly motivated student who wishes to earn college credit in government.
III. / Classroom Expectations: / Be respectful.
Be prepared.
Be responsible.
Accommodations:
Requests for accommodations for this course or any school event are welcomed from students and parents.
Concerning laptop utilization:
1. Student laptops should not be hard wired to the network or have print capabilities.
2. Use of discs, flash drives, jump drives, or other USB devices will not be allowed on Madison City computers.
3. Neither the teacher, nor the school is responsible for broken, stolen, or lost laptops.
4. Laptops and other electronic devices will be used at the individual discretion of the teacher.
IV. / Grading Policy: / Test grades will account for 70% of the 9-weeks grade, with the remaining 30% being determined by quiz/daily grades. The grading scale is as follows: A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (65-69), and F (below 65). Grades will be a reflection of mastery of the standards. Make sure all absences are excused as class work can be made up and graded for excused absences only. The Final Exam counts for 1/5 of final grade.
V. / Make-up Test Policy: / It is the responsibility of each student to check in with the teacher for missed work. If you miss a day of school, assume that you missed something. All work not completed when assigned will be recorded as a zero until turned in and graded. All work should be completed within three days of the student’s return to class. See teacher for extenuating circumstances.
VI. / Text and Other Required Reading: / The primary text for the class is American Government, 13th edition by James Wilson, 2014. A workbook, titled Fast Track to a 5, is also provided to accompany the text. This will be used primarily in class to support the textbook and to assess learning.
There will also be numerous other readings including, but not limited to, Supreme Court cases, the U. S. Constitution, The Federalist Papers, etc. Also, selected readings will be taken from The Lanahan Readings in the American Polity, 5th edition by Ann Serow and Everett Ladd and from American Government: Readings and Cases, 18th edition by Peter Woll.
VII. / Materials and Supplies Needed: / Pen (black) and pencil, textbook, paper for note taking and assignments, index cards for vocabulary, and a 3 ring binder or folder for notes are needed on a regular basis.

Course Calendar

Week 1-2 / Constitutional Underpinnings of the US Government ( and Federalism) / Chapters 1-3 / Woll- John Locke – Second Treatise, Of American Government
-Anti-Federalist #17
Lanahan-The Federalist Papers #39, 51
Week 3-4 / Political Beliefs and Behaviors / Chapters 4, 7, 8 / Lanahan-Jacobs and Shapiro – Politicians Don’t Pander
Week 5-7 / Political Parties, Interest Groups, and the Mass Media / Chapters 9 – 12 / Woll-The Federalist Papers #10
Week 8-9 / Legislative Branch / Chapters 13, 17-21 / Woll-Mayhew-Congress: The Electoral Connection
-Fenno-Home Style and Washington Career
Week 10-11 / Executive Branch & Bureaucracy / Chapters 14, 15, 17-21 / Woll-The Federalist Papers #70
-Neustadt-Presidential Power
-Wilson-The Rise of the Bureaucratic State
Week 12-13 / Judicial Branch
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties / Chapter 16Chapters 5, 6 / Woll-The Federalist Papers #78
-Brennan-How the Supreme Court Arrives at Decisions
Woll-Anti-Federalist Paper #84
Week 14 / Public Policy / Chapters 17-21
Week 15 / Review for AP Exam
Week 16-17 / AP EXAMS
5/4 THURS-AP GOVERNMENT EXAM
Week 18 / FINAL PROJECT

*The class will also discuss current events and major Supreme Court decisions in the unit.

* The syllabus serves as a guide for both the teacher and student; however, during the term it may become necessary to make additions, deletions, or substitutions. Adequate notice will be provided to students of any necessary changes.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

I look forward to having a great year! I feel fortunate to have your son/daughter in my class this semester and hope that you will contact me should you have any concerns about the progress of your son/daughter or any aspect of the instruction. With your son/daughter, please read the attached policies, then sign and date this signature page and have your son/daughter return this form. Please provide a current email address and phone number at which I can contact you should the need arise. Please contact me at school with any concerns.

Thank you,

Ms. Harper

My child and I have read and discussed the classroom syllabus.

Pleasefind the syllabus for your review on my school website.

My child and I have read and discussed the classroom syllabus.

Student Name ______

Student Signature ______

Parent Name ______

Parent Signature ______

***The information below may be completed online using the Google Form found on my school webpage or use the QR code above. Please complete the form on the website if possible. If not, please provide the information requested below. Thank you!

Parent Email address

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***Please note your preferred or best way for me to get in touch with you. Thank you!

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