Syllabus – AP Government and Politics, Spring 2015
Instructor – Scott Ivy
Room – D05
Tutoring – Mon and Tue before school, Wed and Thu after school
Contact –
My Schedule –
· Period 1 – US Government, D05
· Period 2 – US Government, D05
· Period 3 – US Government, D05
· Period 4 – US Government, D05
· Period 5 – AP Government and Politics, D05
· Period 6 – CONFERENCE, D05
· Period 7 – US Government, D05
About This Course:
This one semester course addresses the major elements of the government of the United States as stated by the College Board in anticipation of taking the AP exam in May 2015. The emphasis of the course is two-fold: the structure of the government (3 branches, federalism, and constitution) as well as the political policy-making process (interest groups, lobbyists, voting behaviors, etc.). My aim is that all students feel confident to sit for the AP exam and succeed on it as well.
Structure of Course (approximate):
Syllabus – AP Government and Politics, Spring 2015
1. January – Constitutional Underpinnings
2. February – Political Participation
3. March – Policymakers (Legislative and Executive Branches)
4. April – Judicial Branch
5. May – Policymaking Process, Review and AP Exams
Textbook:
· Readings for this class will come from multiple sources, but only 1 is required to be picked up from the bookroom. Consider checking out a textbook extremely mandatory. I have a classroom set of books, so students may keep their books at home if desired.
· Government in America, by Edwards, Wattenberg, and Lineberry, hereafter referred to as “Edwards” or “the Edwards book”
Materials:
· Ipad (or something else with internet access). School’s expectations for teachers are to have all assignments completed through Homeroom, and without a phone, ipad, or laptop in class, these will be problematic. Expectation is that all students will have checked out an ipad by the second week of class, or will have some other device with access to Homeroom.
· Pens (blue/black) for essays (AP exam requires it), pencils for MC tests (AP exam requires it)
· The school does not supply Kleenex or hand sanitizer. Donations of either would be welcome.
· I recommend purchasing an AP study guide. REA’s products are pretty good. There is also stuff online (search for ap government review book pdf). Read over your study guide before tests – it may cover things I forgot. Even if you are lazy and never read your textbook, still read your study guide.
Grading Policy for AP classes:
· Minor grades = 25% / Major grade = 75%
· Examples of minor grades may include, but are not limited to, the following: homework, weekly notebook checks, pop quizzes, warm-ups, worksheets, vocabulary, short essays, short presentations, cooperative learning group work, mini-assessments, etc. Minor grades are primarily based on the student’s practice of academic skills.
· Examples of major grades may include, but are not limited to, the following: projects, major papers, major tests, presentations, labs, unit tests, unit projects, 9 week tests, notebooks, etc. Major grades measure a student’s academic achievement.
· Progress Reports will be issued every three weeks to every student. AP courses will provide a minimum of 6 minor and 3 major grades in any 9-week grading period.
Re-takes, Re-dos, Late Work, and Makeup Work:
· Students will be allowed to redo an assignment or retake an examination for which the student originally made a failing grade up to five days after the grade has been posted.
· Students will receive the number of days they were absent to submit make-up work.
· Assignments turned in 1 class late will lose 20% of their points, 2 days late will lose 30%, and 3 or more days late will lose 40%. In other words, be prompt with take-home assignments.
· Due to the nature of how Homeroom works, it may not be possible to submit work after the submission window has closed. Plan accordingly.
Class Behavior Expectations:
· Act respectfully toward your peers, and speak only kind words to one another.
· In group work, be a positive contributing force in your group. Be a leader.
· Be in class every day and for the entire period. Be prompt and ready to start on time.
· Follow CHAMPS expectations – use the appropriate volume level and movement level for the current activity.