U.S.Government

Mr. Stevens—Spring Semester 2013

Email:

Course Overview:

Students will examine the major principles of the American political system. Particular attention will be paid to the political decision making process employed by Federal, State and local government. Students will also analyze the major institutions of the American political system, such as the Constitution, Presidency, Congress, Supreme Court, political parties, voting, elections, civil liberties and the media. Special emphasis will be placed on helping the student understand his/her role within the American political system, as well as the current events that shape our everyday understanding of the government.

Class policies:

Grading—Grades will be determined based on the following percentages.Grades are automatically rounded to the nearest whole percent. All grades posted online will reflect this. No grade changes will be made after grades have been posted at the end of the semester.

  1. Grading Scale

100-93=A89-87%=B+79-77=C+69-67=D+59 and

92-90%=A-86-83%=B76-73=C66-63=DBelow=F

82-80%=B-72-70=C-62-60=D-

  1. Tests and Quizzes: 35%-- Throughout the semester, assessment is necessary to see what students have learned. Assessment comes primarily in the form of tests and quizzes. Make-ups: In the event that a student is absent the day of a quiz or test, a 0 will be entered in the student’s grade until a makeup is completed. Students are to make up quizzes/tests on the day they return from absence. In the event the absence was a result of a cut, the student will receive a 0 for the test/quiz.
  2. Projects: 25%--There will be a variety of projects in this class. Each project will correspond to the unit we are studying at the time. For projects that require a presentation, all students in the group must be in attendance on their assigned date. Projects will range in value from 20-150 points. In the event that a student is absent the day a project is due, a 0 will be entered in the student’s grade until a makeup is completed. Students are to make up projects on the day they return from absence. In the event the absence was a result of a cut, the student will receive a 0 for the project.
  3. Homework: 20%-- Students are expected to read and respond from their assigned textbook as well as online articles. Homework will be stamped on date it is due. There should be no excuses for missing work. All assignments are on course website. Homework will be collected in a packet at the end of each unit on the day of the unit exam. Work not turned in on exam day will not be accepted.
  4. Final Exam: 10%--Cumulative final exam covering the entire semester. Final exam prep will begin one week before the final exam date.
  5. Participation: 10%--Students are expected to be active participants in the classroom. Participation includes being in class on time, having all materials present when requested, and listening to other students while they speak.
  • Attendance—School attendance policy will be enforced. Your first tardy will be a warning, any tardy thereafter will result in a detention. Three tardies equals one cut. Three cuts will result in a drop from the class with an F.
  • NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THE ROOM! Failure to follow this rule will result in a detention or other consequence, such as cleaning the room at break or lunch. I will take and throw away anything that is not water. Don’t bring it in the room.
  • Technology: There is a time and place for technology to be used in the classroom. Having an in depth texting conversation during one of Mr. Stevens’ thrilling lectures is not one of them. If a student is caught texting or using their phone or other electronic device at an inappropriate time in class, it will be taken away by Mr. Stevens for the rest of the period. All subsequent times a student is caught, it goes to the attendance office.

Course Materials

  1. McClenaghan, William A.,Magruder’s: American Government. Boston: Prentice Hall 2006.
  2. A three ring binder divided into five sections: Tests and Quizzes, Homework, Class Notes, Current Events, and Projects. Binders will be checked periodically and given points for organization.
  3. Pens (blue or black) or pencils
  4. Paper (college rule)

Cheating and Plagiarism

Any student caught cheating on an exam will be given an automatic F for that exam and may be punished according to school policy. If the student is caught a second time, they will be dropped from the class with an F. Plagiarism is not accepted in this class. Any student caught plagiarizing will be subject to the consequences established by the school.

District policy states that harassment in or out of the classroom is not to be tolerated. Harassment based on race, ethnicity, able-bodiedness, sexuality, perceived sexuality, gender, gender expression, monetary standing, religion or faith-base, or any other factor will be reported to the administration and dealt with accordingly. This includes slang such as “that’s so gay” or “that’s retarded.” Both are considered hate speech.

------

I have read and reviewed the course policies for Mr. Stevens’ government class with my parent/guardian. I understand the course policies, including the consequences should I fail to follow these course policies.

______

Print Student NameStudent SignatureDate

______

Print Parent/Guardian NameParent/Guardian SignatureDate

______

Parent Email Address