Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics
ADVANCED PLACEMENT U.S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Fall, 2014
Mr. Cory Wright
BobJonesHigh School
Advanced Placement US Government and Politics is a one semester college level course designed to prepare the student to take the Advanced Placement examination, administered by the College Board and the Educational Testing Service, in May each year. For students who achieve a score greater than 3, universities may grant either credit or advanced placement, or both. Check with your prospective institutions.
The course is designed to teach students about how people behave politically, and about the design of the American political system; that is, how the system is structured and how it functions as a pluralistic system of various individual and group interests, all promoting their own agendas as to what they claim is important and beneficial for the country. It is taught with the conviction that students want to know not only who governs but also what difference it makes who governs. In short, the course attempts to demonstrate how our government institutions and political processes help explain why some policies and not others are adopted.
Requirements
The course is designed for the highly motivated student who wishes to earn college credit in government. 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. Lectures utilize current problems and practices to illustrate principles. Materials for the course include a basal text, a supplementary reader, and current media. There will be an examination approximately every 2 weeks (50% multiple choice and 50% essay). The following is a breakdown of how the final grade will be determined: examinations/tests: 70%; class participation/essays/papers: 30%.
Readings—Textbooks
The required textbook for AP Government isAmerican Government: Institutions and Policies.13th edition, by James Q. Wilson, D.C. Heath and Company, 2013, is provided by Bob Jones High School. Other supplemental readings will also be required from time to time and will be provided either by handout in class or via Edmodo or Remind 101. It is therefore very important that students sign up for these notifications. It is also recommended that students follownational news on a regular basis and from a variety of sources.
Attendance and Participation
It is important that all students arrive to each class session with all necessary materials on time and prepared for the lesson. Because so much information will be covered this term, poor attendance will affect your ability to perform well in this class and will directly affect your grade. Participation in class discussions and group activities are invaluable. You are responsible for getting notes you miss due to absences.
Homework
Homework will consist mainly of reading assignments. It is important that you keep current with the reading assignments. It will be assumed that you have read all assignments.
Honor Code Against Cheating
It should be understood that all academic work will be completed without collusion/collaboration with other students. Students are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards at all times, regardless of the assignment/situation. Dishonesty in any form, whether giving or receiving help, is unacceptable behavior and will be dealt with accordingly. Cheating cannot and will not be permitted to unfairly affect the futures of those students who work hard in order to achieve great things. Take pride in your work. Do not claim the hard work and well-thought ideas of others for your own. There will be a zero tolerance policy for cheating; those who are caught cheating or plagiarizing the work of others will not receive credit for the assignment or exam, and a call home will be made.
AP Exam
While it is not mandatory that you take the AP exam in May, it should be understood that passing the exam is the primary goal of this course. As such there will be review sessions and strategy discussions all geared to help you prepare for the exam. This course will prepare you for success on the AP exam provided you stay focused and committed to learning.
Concerning laptop utilization:
1. Under no circumstances are student laptops to be wired to the network or have print capabilities.
2. No discs, flash drives, jump drives, or other USB devices will be allowed.
3. Neither the teacher, nor the school is responsible for broken, stolen, or lost laptops.
4. Laptops will be used at the individual discretion of the teacher.
Note:
1. The academic misconduct policy of the school will be followed in this course.
2. The attendance policy of the school will be followed for this course.
3. Any student who receives failing grades during this course is urged to discuss this with the teacher immediately.
Summary Outline
Weeks 1-2Ch. 1 The Study of Government
Ch. 2 The Constitution
Week 3Ch. 2 The Constitution (continued)
Ch. 3 Federalism
Unit Test
Weeks4-5Ch. 4 American Political Culture
Ch. 5 Civil Liberties
Ch. 6 Civil Rights
Unit Test
Week 6-7Ch. 7 Public Opinion
Ch. 8 Political Participation
Ch. 9 Political Parties
Unit Test
Week 10-11Ch. 10 Elections and Campaigns
Ch. 11 Interest Groups
Ch. 12 The Media
Unit Test
Weeks12-13Ch. 13 Congress
Ch. 14 The Presidency
Unit Test
Weeks14-15Ch. 15 The Bureaucracy
Ch. 16 The Judiciary
Unit Test
Weeks16-17Ch. 17 The Policy Making Process
Ch. 18 Economic Policy
Ch. 19 Social Welfare
Unit Test
Week 18Ch. 20 Foreign and Military Policy
Ch. 21 Environmental Policy
Ch. 22 Who Governs? To What Ends?
Unit Test
**This syllabus is intended to be a general outline and may be changed at the instructor’s discretion.