ARLETA HIGH SCHOOL

PRINCIPLES OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY MR.WOODFIN

In this course students examine fundamental aspects of American government. The course will cover the origins and foundation, political behavior, separation of powers (3 branches), and federalism (levels of govt.). This course also covers knowledge, and functions of the California State Government. Various methods of instruction will be used, including but not limited to: visuals, Primary sources, secondary texts, maps, charts, videos, lecture, and projects.

Course Syllabus

CALIFORNIA STATE

STANDARD # /

UNIT

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COMMON CORE FOCUS:

WRITING STRANDS FOR LITERACY IN SOCIAL STUDIES

12.1 Students explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of American democracy / Foundations of Government / Standard 7 Students conduct short as wellas more sustained research projects to answer a question (including self-generated questions) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
12.2 Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the scope and limits of rights and obligations as democratic citizens, the relationships among them, and how they are secured. / Origins of American Government / Standard 8 Students gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the specific task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.
12.4 Students analyze the unique roles and responsibilities of the three branches of government as established by the U.S. Constitution.
12.5 Students summarize landmark U.S. Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution and its amendments. / Separation of Powers / Standard 9 Students draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
12.6 Students evaluate issues regarding campaigns for national, state, and local elective offices.
12.8 Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the influence of the media on American political life. / Political Behavior / INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS
Functional reading, reading for comprehension, the writing process, utilizing computer based resources for research projects, oral presentations.
Note taking and outlining skills.
12.7 Students analyze and compare the powers and procedures of the national, state, tribal, and local governments. / Federalism

Assignments/Homework/Grading: will be done on a point basis. Class work and Homework = 10 points, Quizzes = 20 points, and Tests = 50 points. Final exam and outside assignments = 50-100 points. Late work will receive 60% credit only!!!! Arleta H.S. Social Studies Department has enacted a no “D” Policy; here is your rubric:

A = 100-90%

B = 89-80%

C = 79-65%

F = 64-00%

Grade Percentages and Weights

Tests = 30%, Performance = 30%, Class Work = 20%, Home Work = 15%, & Participation = 5%

Class Policies All school policies regarding student attendance and behavior apply to this class. Students are expected to behave in a manner conducive to learning. Students are required to adhere to the school dress code. Students found cheating on tests or assignments will be subject to the school’s cheating policy. Students are expected to be in class daily and on time. Students are expected to bring necessary learning materials (notebooks, pens, paper, etc.), and any assigned textbooks to class each day. Textbooks must be covered and maintained in the condition in which they were issued. Use of profanity will result in 10 push-ups, or being sent to the referral room/ Dean (your choice).

Required textbook: MAGRUDERS AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

How to help your child succeed: Help your child set a consistent block of time aside each day to work on homework and other class assignments. Provide a quiet study area in which your child can study uninterrupted. Encourage him or her to form study partners or study groups with other students in his or her classes. Please feel free to contact the school or instructor should you have any questions or concerns about your child’s educational progress or learning.

**Checking on the Progress of Your Child**

We have transitioned to an online grade program called Schoology. Your child already has an account and access through their LAUSD school email. You now have direct access to your child’s attendance and grades through Schoology. You need to set up an account first…Here is how: 1. Go to the LAUSD homepage ( 2. Scroll down to the 4 boxes and select families, 3.On the right, click on LAUSD PASSport, 4. Click on the video for details, and or click the register button. You will need an email. If you don’t have one, have your child help you set up a free Gmail (Google email).

Conference Period and Email

My Conference is during 4th period. The best way to contact me is through email, and you can expect me to respond within the day. Parent please provide me with you phone # and an email. Here is my email address: (notice there is a zero, not the letter O)

(Cut Off)

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I have read and understand this Government Course Content Letter

Student: print name: Sign: Date: Period #:______

Parent signature: Date: Phone #:

Parent email :______