9th Grade Civics
Syllabus 2014-2015
Augusta Independent School
Roy Walter Machen III
(606)756-2095
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this course students will master not only the required content as deemed by the Kentucky Department of Education, but also develop the necessary study skills and higher level thinking strategies that will assist them through out their educational career and life itself. This course will reinforce and promote both literacy skills and problem solving skills that will encourage each to become better problem solvers, critical thinkers, life-long learners, and successful members of society. The course will require students to apply multiple skills in various subjects. Students will study:
· The form and function of American government based on federalism and separation of powers.
· Guarantees of rights in the U.S. Constitution and landmark Supreme Court decisions.
· The influence of political parties, interest groups, and media on government decisions and affairs.
· The connections between the economy and government.
· The legal rights and responsibilities of citizens.
· The historical roots of current U.S. foreign policies.
· Current and important U.S. History events will be included in the student’s study of each topic.
COURSE TEXTBOOK:
Remy, Richard C., et al (2007). Civics Today- Citizens, Economics, & You. Glencoe
COURSE GOALS:
· Prepare for the responsibilities of an active citizen (i.e. voting, etc.)
· Research with primary and secondary documents, experiment, collaborate, and learn from one another in a positive and productive environment.
· Recognize typical patterns of political processes and their consequences.
· Work independently and collectively on projects, research papers, presentations, and various other assignments that correlate with the topic in discussion.
· Build upon previous knowledge of important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to U.S. government and politics to be good stewards in their community.
CLASSROOM RULES:
1. All students must follow the rules outlined in the student handbook.
2. Follow directions the first time given.
3. Stay seated unless given permission to get up.
4. Be in your assigned seat and ready to work before the tardy bell rings.
a. Use the restroom and sharpen pencils before class begins.
5. Bring what you need for class work everyday.
6. Keep hands, feet, and all other objects to yourself.
7. Raise your hand before talking and wait to be called upon.
8. Respect your classmates, special guests, and teacher at all times.
9. Disrupting class takes away from your education and that of your classmates.
10. All work missed for any reason is the student’s responsibility.
11. No drinks, candy, or gum is allowed in class unless excused by medical reason or given by the teacher.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES:
1st Violation Verbal Warning
2nd Violation Classroom Disruption
3rd Violation Disrespect
4th Violation Call Principle
It may be necessary to call the principle immediately if severe inappropriate behavior occurs.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Textbook (class copy)
Pen or Pencil (blue or black ink only)
Colored Pencils (when necessary)
loose-leaf paper or 3 to 5 subject notebook
TIME and EFFORT:
Time is one of the most valuable commodities we have, it can not be gotten back once it is used. Therefore, it is something that should not be wasted including students and teachers. Students are expected to be in class on time, prepared to learn and ready to participate. This same effort will apply to teachers and guest speakers. In order for a classroom to succeed and grow, everyone is expected to work together as a team. Every person should be able to express their thoughts and ideas in their own words free from bias or prejudice. Nearly all ideas are welcomed and encouraged.
· Please note: When working as a team or with another student, work responsibly as a group or pair, but record your own thoughts.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Class time will be divided into the following:
· Bell ringers
· Lecture with class discussion and higher level questioning.
· Presentations (power point, etc.)
· Individual and/or cooperative group assignments or assessments.
PLEASE NOTE REGUARDING ASSIGNMENTS:
· Any assignments not completed in class are to be completed before returning to class the following day, unless otherwise specified by the teacher.
· Any assigned homework is to be completed before returning to class the following day, unless otherwise specified by the teacher.
· Students are prohibited from “doing nothing” in this class. Full participation is expected and required.
· You will work in class every day, there are no “Free Days”. Failure to do the required work during my time (school week) will result in having to complete it during your time (weekend).
· Do not ask to work on another class assignment or homework in my class. If all class assignments or work in completed you may read your AR book or work on assignments from another class upon receiving permission from the teacher.
EXTRA CREDIT:
There will be numerous opportunities for extra credit available throughout this course. All extra credit opportunities will be announced at least one week prior to due dates. Students are encouraged, however, to do their best on every assignment and use any extra credit assignment as a way to promote their individual strengths and not necessarily their grades.
GRADING POLICY:
Grades can be accessed online through infinite campus and are updated weekly with reports to parents every nine weeks. Grades will be computed by Points Made / Points Possible = Percentage Grade.
Quizzes 10%
Exams 20% A (90-100%)
Final Exam 10% B (80-89%)
Assignments 20% C (70-79%)
Homework 20% D (60-69%)
Projects & Reports 10% F (59% or Below)
Bell Ringers 5%
Participation 5%
Class work and Homework:
· Each day the date, bell ringer, and class topic/objective will be posted on the board. You must write down the question and answer to the bell ringer everyday. They will be graded every Friday.
· It is important to keep good notes and completing the bell ringers because you may be allowed to use them on exams from time to time.
· Any missed notes or bell ringers may be obtained from me or a class mate. This is your responsibility, I will not chase you down to give to you.
· Everyday, you should write down any homework assignments in your student planner. If there is no homework, you should make note of this as well. Keeping up with this is considered class work and may be checked and graded.
· All homework assignments are due at the beginning of class. Upon entering the classroom place any assignments in the proper tray.
Important! All assignments are to have the students name, date and class in the top right hand corner. The assignment name or title should be on the top line of the paper.
Remember: NO name, NO grade!
Quizzes and Tests:
Periodically quizzes will be given to assess the material being covered. I reserve the right to not announce these dates if desired or announce the day before. An exam will be given at the end of each chapter or unit to assess the material covered. These dates will be announced 5 days in advance. The layout of each exam will be described beforehand. Each 9 week final exam will be scheduled in the syllabus outline.
Please note: I reserve the right change any scheduled exam date due to weather, school function, or unforeseen situation.
DUE DATES/LATE WORK/MAKE-UP WORK:
· All assignments are due at the beginning of the class and are to be placed in the proper tray. Do not set your work on my desk; it must go into the assigned location to receive credit.
· Homework will only be accepted from a student who has an excused absence. If you have an excused absence, you should turn in any assignments given before you were absent on the day you return.
· Upon return, you should also get any missed work from me and any missed notes from your classmates (Again this is your responsibility I will not come to you).
· Missed work will be due on the assigned date as permitted in the student handbook pertaining to excused absences.
· If you have an excused absence during a test, you will be expected to make-up the test on the day you return.
· If you have an unexcused absence, I will not accept missed homework, and you will not be allowed to make-up any missed tests.
Civic Responsibility Paper
Each 9 weeks the student will be required to attend a local meeting of some type. The importance of this assignment is the fact that part of good citizenship is being informed and involved in your community.
Groups that you may observe:
City council, School Board, Church Business Meeting, a local organization’s business meeting, all meetings must be approved by the teacher before credit will be given.
When you attend a government meeting, take notes on the following questions. You will then need to type up your report, using complete sentences, to turn in.
1. Identify the group being observed—School Board, City Council, etc.
2. Identify the people in the group—Chairman, council members, etc.
3. What is the function and authority of the group?
4. Who does the group represent? How is this representation apparent?
5. When and where did the meeting take place?
6. Describe what happened at the meeting:
a. What issues were discussed? (Attach an agenda if one is available)
b. How was the meeting conducted?
c. How were decisions made? What decisions were made?
7. Evaluate the proceedings:
a. Did the members of the group that you observed seem informed about the issues being discussed?
b. How well did the group accomplish the purposes of the meeting?
Requirements
· 12 font
· New Times Roman format
· Double spaced
· 2 pages minimum
Credit Form
I, ______, attended a scheduled
(student’s name)
meeting of ______
(organization or type of meeting)
on ______.
(date)
(witness #1)
(witness #2)
Credit Form
I, ______, attended a scheduled
(student’s name)
meeting of ______
(organization or type of meeting)
on ______.
(date)
(witness #1)
(witness #2)
Credit Form
I, ______, attended a scheduled
(student’s name)
meeting of ______
(organization or type of meeting)
on ______.
(date)
(witness #1)
(witness #2)
Credit Form
I, ______, attended a scheduled
(student’s name)
meeting of ______
(organization or type of meeting)
on ______.
(date)
(witness #1)
(witness #2)
Syllabus Outline of Content
I. Why Study Civics? (Introduction) (2 days)
II. Foundations of American Citizenship
a. Citizenship and Government in a Democracy (5 days)
i. Citizenship Simulation-Naturalization Process
b. Roots of American Democracy (6 days)
c. The Constitution (7 days)
d. The Bill of Rights (6 days)
e. The Citizen and the Community (4 days)
1. Unit 1 closing & assessment (2 days)
III. The National Government (1 day)
a. Congress (6 days)
b. The President and the Executive Branch (6 days)
c. The Judicial Branch (6 days)
1. Unit 2 closing & assessment (2 days)
(END OF 1ST 9 WEEKS)
IV. Political Parties and Interest Groups (1 day)
a. Political Parties and Politics (5 days)
b. Voting and Elections (5 days)
c. Influencing Government (5 days)
1. Unit 3 closing & assessment (2 days)
V. State and Local Government (1 day)
a. State Government (6 days)
b. Local Government (5 days)
c. Dealing With Community Issues (5 days)
1. Unit 4 closing & assessment (2 days)
(END OF 2ND 9 WEEKS)
VI. The Individual, the Law, and the Internet (1 day)
a. Legal Rights and Responsibilities (5 days)
b. Civil and Criminal Law (5 days)
c. Citizenship and the Internet (5 days)
1. Unit 5 closing & assessment (2 days)
VII. The Economy and the Individual (1 day)
a. What is Economics? (5 days)
b. The American Economy (6 days)
c. Demand (4 days)
d. Supply (5 days)
e. Business and Labor (5 days)
1. Unit 6 closing & assessment (2 days)
(END OF 3RD 9 WEEKS)
VIII. The Free Enterprise System (1 day)
a. Government and the Economy (5 days)
b. Money and Banking (5 days)
c. Government Finances (5 days)
1. Unit 7 closing & assessment (2 days)
IX. The United States and the World (1 day)
a. Comparing Economic Systems (5 days)
b. Comparing Systems of Government (6 days)
c. An Interdependent World (5 days)
1. Unit 8 closing & assessment (2 days)
(END OF 4TH 9 WEEKS)