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Close Up
American Government
Course
Syllabus
Mr.
Krieger
Ipswich
High School
2017-2018
School Year
Course
Overview
In
this course, we will explore the inner workings of the United States
government and evaluate the role that our government has today.
Focusing on current events and issues which impact our country and
community, we will consider ethical dimensions and tough moral questions.
Civic awareness is the primary focus of this course.
The overarching goal of the course is to equip students with the
knowledge and skills necessary for effective and responsible participation
in the processes of a democratic society and the American political
system. Issue-centered topics and opportunities for discovery are the
cornerstones of Close Up American Government. Placing current public
policy controversies and political debates at the center of the course,
students reflect on their own political effectiveness and assess their
growth as powerful democratic citizens. Students apply knowledge gained in
previous courses as they draw on their studies of American history,
geography and culture. A one week intensive trip to Washington, D.C. in
March is the culmination of the course. The Close Up Washington D.C. trip
gives students an inside look at the U.S. government in action. Using the
nation’s capital as a living classroom, students have access to
politicians, Senate and House of Representatives sessions, and the inner
workings of government and historical attractions. The cost of the trip is
paid by students who choose to participate with fundraising as an active
part of the course.
President Warren G. Harding said, "Our most dangerous tendency is to
expect too much of government, and at the same time do for it too little."
We will make a difference during this course and hopefully the lessons
learned throughout Close Up American Government will inspire future civic
action.
Below
are the units for our course:
|
Unit
I
Unit
II
Unit
III
Unit
IV
|
Intro. to Government and the U.S. Constitution
Congress, Leadership, and Issues Today
Political Parties and Elections
The Executive Branch and World Power
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Grading
Policy
Your
final grade for this course will be determined based on the following
formula:
| Coursework |
85% |
|
Classroom Contribution |
15% |
Assignments
and overall grades will be based on a points system.
Prior to each assignment, you will know the total available points. The grade will be based on the following calculation:
Total Points Earned ÷ Total Possible Points
|
Assignment |
Maximum
Points |
|
Homework |
10 |
|
Current Events |
100 |
|
Reading
Quiz |
15 |
|
Unit
Test |
100 |
|
Unit
Project |
100 |
|
Other
Assignments1 |
Varies |
1For
other assignments, such as in-class work, research in the library, or
special projects, you will be made aware of the possible points when the
assignment begins.
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Homework
& Assignments
Homework
is an important part of this course.
The homework is meant to enhance our work in the classroom.
Completing the homework will help you understand the subject matter
and, hopefully, make it more interesting.
You will be better prepared for class discussions, other assignments,
and tests or quizzes. Likewise,
you will have the opportunity to participate in many activities. These
activities will range from group presentations to individual projects.
I hope that the assignments will be engaging and enable you to demonstrate
your expertise in the field of modern world history. Successfully completing
and handing-in all of the homework and assignments will improve your grade
for the course.
1.
Homework/assignments are due at the beginning of class or when collected.
2. Late
homework/assignments will not be accepted unless you have an excused
absence.
3. You
are responsible for obtaining homework/assignments if you are absent.
4. If
you are identified on the attendance sheet as "absent unexcused"
you may not make-up the missed work. This includes test, quizzes, projects,
and homework. In-house suspension is considered an unexcused absence.
5.
Homework will be
evaluated using the following rubric:
|
Points |
Criteria |
|
10 |
Homework shows excellent
effort
and the work is fully completed |
|
5 |
Homework shows acceptable
effort
and the work is mostly completed |
|
0 |
Homework shows minimal effort or is not submitted when due |
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Classroom Contribution -- Sliding Scale
Classroom contribution will be included as part of your quarterly grade.
classroom contribution will represent 15% of the quarterly grade.
The
rubric below outlines the grading criteria:
|
Grade |
Criteria |
|
A+
(100%) |
Truly exceptional leadership and participation in
the classroom by
demonstrating an outstanding work ethic,
complete focus when working independently,
adds significantly to the culture of the class, and willingly goes
beyond to bring material from outside the classroom into discussions
and the learning environment. |
|
A
(95%) |
Excellent
participation in class discussions,
often asks
thought provoking questions, willingly
works with other students during classroom activities,
excellent
attitude, and/or shows extensive
effort towards creating a positive atmosphere in the classroom. |
|
B
(85%) |
Substantial
participation in class discussions,
usually works well with other students
during classroom activities, excellent
attitude, and/or shows substantial
effort towards creating a positive classroom atmosphere. |
|
C
(75%) |
Acceptable
participation in class discussions,
sometimes works well with other
students during classroom activities, and/or
meets some expectations
with attitude and contribution to the classroom environment. |
|
D
(68%) |
Rarely or
never
participates in class discussions,
negative attitude, and/or is
disruptive in
class. |
|
F
(25%) |
Rarely or
never
participates in class discussions, is
disruptive in class, does not engage in
group projects, and/or is not part of the "class environment." |
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Attendance
Attendance
and classroom contribution are important aspects of the course. Participating
in class advances your knowledge of the material and enables other students
to learn from you. Class sessions are also meant to supplement homework
and individual research rather than replace or repeat your readings.
In accordance with the attendance policy in the Ipswich High School
2017-2018 Student-Parent Handbook, you will not receive credit if
you accumulate more than FIVE absences (excused, unexcused, or voluntary)
during the course. Refer to the Handbook for detailed information
about the IHS attendance policy. If you have questions or are concerned
about attendance, please see me.
An
important note about field trips
Field
trips are valuable components of a course curriculum. Throughout the
quarter, it may be necessary for you to miss our class session(s) to
attend field trips. Please note that you are responsible for notifying
me AT LEAST TWO DAYS IN ADVANCE OF A FIELD TRIP if you are going to
be absent. Also, if you are working on a group project you are responsible
for notifying your team members that you will be absent.
If
you fail to provide prior notification (AT LEAST TWO SCHOOL DAYS) of
a field trip and are absent for a presentation or other assignment,
you will receive a zero for the assignment or project.
Honors
Contract
Students may take Close Up American Government for honors credit by signing
an Honors Contract. Students
who participate in an honors contract should:
-
participate
regularly in class discussions,
-
display
a high level of critical thinking during class discussions,
-
complete
all assignments with an excellent level of quality written and oral
work,
-
demonstrate
the ability to work independently and as a member of team, and,
-
collaborate
with other students to produce work that exceeds expectations.
If you are interested in taking the course for honors credit, please note
the following deadline: Honors Contracts Due by the start of class
on Tuesday, February 6.
Once you sign and submit the Honors Contract, you may not drop the Honors
Contract.
Students who do not submit an honors contract by the due date will not be
eligible to take the course for honors credit. The due date is
posted on the Assignments/Topic page.
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