CIVICS & GOVERNMENT

PLANNED COURSE OVERVIEW

CIVICS

MR. ROST

2012-2013

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

It is essential that students acquire economic, legal and political knowledge of our country to become responsible and effective citizens. The study of civics and government gives a practical understanding of those systems that effect their lives. In their study of civics and government students acquire information from a variety of sources, the Constitution, independent readings, Supreme Court decisions, examining tables and graphs, and engaging in hands on practice and simulations.

MAJOR COURSE OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this course is to study citizen’s relationship to Government (National, State, and Local), Economics, Laws, and their everyday effect on the student’s lives.

COURSE CONTENT:

The course can be broken into 9 sections:State Standards Reached

1. Need for Government5.1, 5.2

2. Beginning of a Republic5.1, 5.2,

3. Constitution5.1, 5.2, 5.3,

4. Political Parties/Voting5.2, 5.5.3

5. Legal System5.3, 5.4

6. National Government5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4

7. State Government5.3

8. Local Government5.3

9. Economic Systems5.2

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK:

Grading is based on total number of points achieved by the student divided by the total number of points attainable. This will be translated into a percentage point, which

For example if the total possible points for a nine-week period is 600 points and student achieves 522 their grade would be 522/600 = 89% which is a B.

Final Grade will be an average of the 4 nine-week Grade Percentage.

In each section each student will earn points by the following:

  1. Home works 5 to 30 points (Depending on the assignment)
  2. Tests 100 points (4 essays questions)
  3. Mandatory assignments 200-300 points
  4. Classroom assignments 5 to 50 points (Depending on the assignment)

5. Honors only: Political Cartoons and Community service

*All borderline grades will be determined by the teacher.*

ABSENTEE POLICY;

You are responsible for ALL WORK when you are absent for class. “I was not here for that.” Will not be acceptable excuse.

MAJOR RESOURCES;Text Book: CIVICS: Participating in Government Prentice Hall 2000

Other Readings Will Occur In Each Section.

RULES:

In order to be successful in this class, I must adhere to the following rules:

  1. I will respect myself, my classmates, and my teacher.
  2. I will leave food and drinks outside of this classroom.
  3. I will keep my head up and stay awake in this class.
  4. I will be on time every day, ready to work when the bell rings.
  5. I will complete my assignments both class work and home work to the best of my ability. When I am absent I will check with the teacher to see what I missed.
  6. I will leave electronic devises turned off, and kept out of sight
  7. I will use appropriate behavior at all times

1st offense = Verbal Warning

2nd offense = Phone Call Home

3rd offense = Sent to the V.P. and Detention

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Notebook: Any spiral or non-spiral notebook (regular size) that is for this class and this class only.

Portfolio: Any type of folder which will hold student’s home work, class work, and other

assignments.

Writing implement: Any device that the student can use to take notes, tests, or complete

Assignments (preferably a pen or pencil)

Mandatory Assignments: Students are required to complete four mandatory assignments (one in each quarter).

Failure to complete an assignment will result in an F for that nine-week period.

The assignments are followed:

1st Quarter: Comparing Constitutions

2nd Quarter: Participation in mock trial

3rd Quarter: Local Government change Project

4th Quarter: Business plan and presentation

****The majority of tests are essay exams, where the students are allowed to use their notes, and portfolios on the test. Keeping up with all assignments, home work, notes, and class work, will help the student when it is time to take the test****

STUDENT REMEDIATION:

Students who are having difficulty achieving success in this course are recommended to take the following steps to help improve their grade:

  1. Attend after school review sessions before each test
  2. Meet with teacher to set up before or after school tutoring session
  3. Peer tutoring available in appropriate areas
  4. Progress reports and phone calls home with students below 70%

I understand the requirements and rules that are set by this Plan Course Overview, and I agree to follow them for the entire school year.

Student’s Name ______Signature ______

(Please Print)

Parent’s Name ______Signature ______

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