U.S. GOVERNMENT - COACHC. MORALEZ
2017-18 Course Syllabus & Course Outline
()(832) 668-7200 ext. 71204
* Conference Period – 6th (2:00-2:50pm)
Course Description:This course offers an overview of American government at the national level. Topics include the origin and evolution of the U.S. Constitution, the electoral process, political parties, interest groups, and the three branches of government - Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary. My goals for you this semester are to create an appreciation of the founding principles and benefits of American democracy, to understand your civil rights and liberties (as well as learn about the ongoing struggles to guarantee those rights to all citizens), to instill a sense of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship, and to equip students with the knowledge to engage in political and civic life. Some of the skills you will be using in this class are compare/contrast, understanding cause and effect, map analysis, simulations, critical thinking, and problem solving. There will be both individual and small group work throughout the course.
Course Textbook:McGraw Hill United States Government
Class Materials Needed:Each student will need:
- Composition Book or Spiral
- Binder and notebook paper
- Pen and pencil (NO RED ink)
Grading Policy:Deer Park ISD 9-week and semester grading policy will be followed accordingly.
- Exams/Projects40%
- Quizzes30%
- Daily Work20%
- Participation10%
Late Work:In the event of an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to ask for missed assignments or make up work. Assignments that are late will be assessed a twenty (20)point deduction for the first day and then each day after there will be a 10 point deduction. Late work MAY not be accepted if make-up work is more than three (3) days late.
Class Rules:Students will abide the following rules and guidelines set by the teacher in order to achieve a classroom environment conducive to learning.“Failing to PREPARE, prepare to FAIL”
1. Be in your seat, ready to work with all materials when bell rings. BE ON TIME
2. Follow all instructions and/or directions. BE PREPARED
3. Respect fellow students and their property. BE RESPECTFUL
Classroom Requirementsand Expectations:
No food or drinks are allowed into the classroom (DPHS policy). Water is the only exception. If you bring food or any other kind of beverage in to class,eat outside in hallway or throw it away.
Vulgar language or excessive profanity will NOT be allowed or tolerated in the classroom.
Unless I have specifically declared a BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) Day, cell phones, MP3 players, tablets, nooks, laptops, etc. are NOT allowed. I will take them up as per school policy.
Come to class prepared and ready to learn. Prepared means having completed all assigned reading and homework before class, as well as having your supplies.
Inappropriate use of internet and computers will result in a loss of technology privileges.
Classroom Procedures:
Upon arrival, you are to go immediately to your assigned seat and begin the warm-up assignment. There is plenty of time to talk in the halls, this is our time to shift focus and prepare for the day’s lesson.
When I approach the front of the class—STOP, LOOK and LISTEN.
Raise your hand before talking, and listen while others speak.
If I am lecturing and you missed something, leave a blank space and keep going. You will have time afterwards to fill in your notes and ask questions.
Stay in your seat until the bell rings. DO NOT line up at the door at the end of class.
If we are taking notes or working on an assignment DO NOT put your things away before the bell. I know you aren’t finished. We work until the bell.
If any of these become a problem I will hold you after class, individually or as a group. Keep each other accountable if you don’t want to be tardy to your next class.
Discipline:As high school seniors and young adults, you will be expected to act accordingly. That being said, all discipline issues will be handled according to the guidelines of the DPISD Student Code of Conduct. (Verbal warning, parent/guardian contact, and then referral withadministrative contact)
Extra Credit:Extra credit opportunities may be given throughout the semester. There will be in-class opportunities as well as projects and events posted to website. Extra credit may be added onto exam, quiz, or daily grades, depending on the assignment. Please take advantage of every opportunity.This shows me that you care about your grade!
Tardies:Unless you have permission or hall pass, you must be in the room when the bell rings. If tardy, you will need to go to Tardy Station to get a pass. The 10/10 rule states that no student will be allowed in the hall during the first ten minutes of class or the last ten minutes of class. Do not ask me to violate this rule.
Course Outline (Semester In Review):
1st9 weeks of Instruction (August 21 - October 13)
- Foundations of American Government
- The Legislative Branch
2nd 9weeks of Instruction (October 16 – December 20)
- The Executive Branch
- The Judicial Branch
- Participating in Government
FINAL will count as 20% of your final Semester grade
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
Academic Honesty (Honor Code): The functioning of an academic community depends on the integrity of all of its members. Deer Park High School values truthfulness, respect for the property of others, and honesty in academic work. As a member of this community, you are responsible for understanding and adhering to the policies and procedures that contribute to an academic environment. Violations include (but are not limited to) cheating on tests and quizzes, unauthorized collaboration on assignments, and plagiarism. Your teacher is the ultimate source of policy on individual assignments; please consult with them if you have any questions or concerns about what is permitted. These violations will result in zeros and loss of retesting/redoing the work along with appropriate disciplinary action. For further information on your rights and responsibilities as a student, and the disciplinary guidelines and procedures, please consult the Student Handbook.
I, the student, have received a copy of the course syllabus, class policies, and procedures, and agree to abide by them.
Student Signature: ______Date:______