American Government
Mr. Pagel/Room 151
Contacts:
Phone: 636-464-4429 ext.5468
Email:
Planning Period: 5th Hour
Overview:
The American Government semester course at Windsor High School will focus on how the Federal and State government work. Other topics include: the three branches of government, amendments, constitutional law, voting behavior and procedures, and comparative governments around the world.
Materials Needed…Bring These Items to Class EVERY DAY:
One spiral notebook: About 120 pages. This notebook will be used every day, and all class work, handouts, notes, etc. will be kept inside. It is important that students have a durable notebook that can survive a semester. I highly recommend using the notebooks with the “hard” covers – over the years these have proven to be the most durable.
Clear “Scotch” Tape or Stapler: Each student should bring one or both of these items to securely attach materials in their notebook on the assigned pages.
Writing utensil: Each student is responsible for bringing a pen or pencil to use every day in class.
Textbooks: Textbooks will be made available to each student during class time, and will be available to sign out and borrow from time to time. All books must be signed out using the textbook sign out sheet, and unreturned books will be subject to fine.
Course Units and Objectives:
Below is a list of each unit we will cover in class throughout the year. Each unit will include notes, and other class work that students will be assigned each day. At the end of each unit, students will take a multiple choice summative (test) that will count towards 75% of their grade, and also turn in their notebooks to be graded that will count as 25% of their grade. I will announce the test day well in advance to allow students plenty of preparation time. I will also send emails to each student’s parental contact as given to the school, to notify all parents/guardians of an upcoming summative and notebook grading day.
Unit 1: Principles and Foundations of Government:
*What is government and what types of government exist?
*Examine the process of the creation of the U.S. Constitution.
Unit 2: The Three Branches of Government:
*Examine the background and function of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches of the U.S.
Unit 3: Constitution and Civil Rights:
*Analyze the structure and components of the Constitution.
*What securities does the Bill of Rights give to each citizen and how have those rights evolved over time?
Unit 4: Political Processes:
*How are elections conducted and what regulations on U.S. elections exist?
In addition to these four units, students will complete and present a comparative government project. The project will count as a full unit test grade. Students will be allowed two “retakes” on tests. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule a retake with me.
Grading Scale:
100-93% = A 92-90% = A-
89-87% = B+ 86-83% = B 82-80% = B-
79-77% = C+ 76-73% = C 72-70% = C-
69-67% = D+ 66-63% = D 62-60% = D-
Below 60% = F
Students’ grade will be based upon 75% summatives (tests), and 25% class work and homework (notebooks). Each student will take a final exam that consists of an in-class essay and a multiple choice portion that will count as 10% of their semester grade.
NOTE: STUDENTS MUST PASS (60% OR HIGHER) THE CLASS, AND PASS THE CONSTITUTION TEST (UNIT 3) IN ORDER TO GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL.
Academic Integrity:
Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated at any level. The consequences for cheating or plagiarizing can result in a failing grade.
Classroom Expectations and Responsibilities:
STUDENTS WILL RESPECT THEMSELVES, FELLOW STUDENTS AND TEACHERS AT ALL TIMES. Failure to do so will result in an appropriate consequence.
STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE ON TIME FOR CLASS. On time means being inside the classroom and heading to your seat before the bell rings. Failure to be on time for class will result in being marked tardy for the day.
NO FOOD, BUT APPROVED DRINKS ARE ALLOWED. Approved drinks are those in plastic containers with secure spill-resistant lids. All “soda fountain style” cups or cans are not allowed.
STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO COMPLETE CLASS ACTIVITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS AND TURN THEM IN ON TIME. Any assignment missed due to an excused absence can be turned in at a later date that will be determined as a result of a discussion with the student and me.
EFFORT IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS. You will discover that success in this class comes from giving an honest effort. Try your best and good things will happen.
*************************************************************************************
Please review this class syllabus with your student, and sign below to indicate that is has been reviewed. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at your convenience using the phone number or email address listed on this form. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to a successful year.