Mrs.

Travers
dtravers@chicousd.org

AP United States Government and Politics

Course Syllabus 2016

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Welcome to AP US Government and Politics! The intent of this semester-long course is to
increase understanding of the American political system, its frameworks, traditions and
values with the goal of having each student pass the AP exam. This course is concerned
with the nature of the American political system, and its development over the past two
centuries. We will examine in detail the principle processes an institutions through which
the political system functions, as well as some of the public policies which these
institutions establish and how they are implemented.
The AP US Government and Politics curriculum is divided into six specific topics of study.
We will only cover the chapters in the text that pertain directly to these six units of
study as follow below:
Unit 1:
Unit 2:
Unit 3:
Unit 4:
Unit 5:
Unit 6:

Constitutional Underpinnings of the US Government

Political Beliefs and Behaviors
Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media
Institutions of Government
Public Policy
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

Ch
Ch
Ch
Ch
Ch
Ch

1 3 (~ 10%)
6, 9 & 10 (~ 15%)
8, 11 & 7 (~ 15%)
12, 13, 16 & 15 (~ 40%)
14, 17 20* (~ 10%)
4 & 5 (~ 10%)

Students successfully completing this course will:

Know important facts, concepts, and theories pertaining to US government and

politics
Understand typical patterns of political processes and behavior and their
consequences (including the components of political behavior, the principles used to
explain or justify various government structures and procedures, and the political
effects of these structures and procedures.)
Be able to analyze and interpret basic data relevant to US government and politics.

REQUIRED READING:

Edwards, George C. III, Martin P. Wattenberg, and Robert L. Lineberry,

Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy, 15th ed. New York: Longman,
2011
Excerpts from Peter Woll, American Government: Readings and Cases, 13th ed. New
York: Longman, 1999.
Extensive primary and secondary documents/excerpts from multiple sources.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Three-ring binder
Appropriate writing utensils
Note-taking paper
A positive attitude towards success

COURSE EXPECTATIONS:

The Rules: Be punctual and prepared. You must turn-off all electronic devices. No food or
drinks are allowed in class, water is ok. Interact positively and respectfully with your
classmates and use appropriate language. You KNOW these norms. I shouldnt have to use
your valuable class time to remind you of the norms in our classroom.
Readings: Students will be expected to complete required reading assignments prior to
class meetings as well as outside materials as is necessary. Students should also be
prepared to read on a regular basis (6-8 hours per week).
Assignments: All assignments (per unit) must be kept organized in a binder. All
assignments, projects, and exams will be due on their assigned dates. In most cases, late
work will only be accepted for partial credit during the unit. After the current unit of
study is completed, no late work will be accepted. Sloppy, cluttered, or inappropriately
formatted assignments will not be accepted. Students are expected to complete all
assignments and examinations on time. Although students are expected to see the
instructor about missed or late work, a "study buddy" is encouraged. Should an absence
occur, the student is responsible for asking the teacher for the missed assignment(s).
Students have the same number of days to make-up the assignment as days missed
(example missed two days; student has two days to make up the assignment). Finally, an
absence the day before a project is due or an exam does not excuse a student from taking
that exam or turning in the project on time; except in unusual circumstances.
Methods of Evaluation: All work will be graded on a point system. You will have classwork,
homework, DBQs/FRQs, quizzes, and unit exams. There will also be projects assigned
throughout the school year that will add to the total points for the grade.

Class Participation: Studies have consistently shown that students who participate in class
discussions and activities are more likely to grasp learning objectives. Class participation,
or a lack thereof, will make a difference in ones grade.
Attendance: Regular class attendance is strongly recommended since a majority of the
course will involve group discussions and activities that will aid in an understanding of the
material.
Formal Projects: The importance of formal projects cannot be understated. In addition
to daily course activities, students should be prepared to argue a formal debate, respond
to and peer assess FRQs, and complete other projects that are assigned.
Parental Input: This instructor recognizes parents and guardians as the primary educators
of students. As such, parents and guardians will be used as resources making students
motivated and successful learners.

ASSESSMENT:

Grades will be based on unit exams, quizzes, projects and classwork/homework. All grades
will be assessed on a point system. Extra credit will be given at the discretion of the
instructor.

Quizzes are typically at the beginning of the period. If a student is late to class and the
tardy is unexcused, they will not be given the opportunity to make-up the quiz. It is your
responsibility to show up on time. Students who do not show up for the scheduled exam as
well as the scheduled make-up exam will receive zero points. Letter grades are based on
the following scale and weights:
Grading Scale:
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
0% - 59% = F

Classwork/Homework

30%

Projects

30%

Unit Exams

40%

THE MOST IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITY OF ANY INSTRUCTOR IS TO HIS/HER

STUDENTS. PLEASE SEE THE INSTRUCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF PROBLEMS ARISE. IN
NEARLY ALL CASES, THEY CAN BE WORKED OUT TO THE SATISFACTION OF BOTH
THE STUDENT AND THE INSTRUCTOR.

THIS SYLLABUS CAN BE AMENDED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE INSTRUCTOR.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT US GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Mrs. Travers
I have read and understand the contents of this syllabus.

Student Name

_______________________________________________
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Student Signature _______________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name ____________________________________________

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Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________________

Parents Current Email Address _____________________________________