American Government Syllabus 2012-2013 Teacher: Jennilynn Hawn Email: jennilynn_hawn@cartersville.k12.ga.

us Room: Humanities 309

Textbook/Resource: American Government: Citizenship and Power Course Description and Goals: American Government is the study of the political development of the United States from its inception to the present. A student who takes this course will be able to identify major historical themes, people, events, and trends that have had a great impact on American political development. The goal is for every student to be able to understand why and how our government functions and what role we all play in its success or failure. Grading System The following weighting system will be used. All grades are percent grades. Major Assessments (Test/Projects) 45% Minor Assessments (Homework/Classwork) 25% Quizzes 15% Final Exam 10% Midterm Exam 5% Instructional Strategies/Assessments: Teaching methods will include lectures, class discussions, films, oral presentations, group projects, class work, creative exercises, and a variety of student centered approaches. Assessments will occur as the school year progresses. Assessments will consist of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, matching, and essay questions. Quizzes and notebook checks will be given throughout the year. Progress Reports: A progress report addressing academic performance and conduct will be sent home with the student according to dates issued by the Cartersville School System, which will be every six weeks. Check the school calendar located on the high school website. Units of Study: A standards based approach will be employed to address the following American Government standards and topics. Standards can be found at: https://www.georgiastandards.org/standards/Georgia Performance Standards/American Government updated 6-15-2011.pdf First Semester Unit Focus and Approximate Time Frame Unit 1: Foundations (4 weeks) Unit 2: US Constitution (6 weeks) Unit 3: Elections (2 weeks) Unit 4: Executive Branch(3 weeks) Unit 5: Legislative Branch (3 weeks) Second Semester Unit Focus and Approximate Time Frame Unit 6: Judicial Branch (3 weeks) Unit 7: Criminal Justice (4 weeks) Unit 8: State and Local Governments (3 weeks) Unit 9: Civic Responsibilities (3 weeks) Unit 10: US and World Affairs (3 weeks)

Readings: Your textbook and selected readings throughout the semester. Materials Needed 1 inch Binder or folder dedicated to this class ONLY! 10 dividers (one per unit) Loose leaf paper Blue or black ink pens Pencils

Class Expectations: My classroom is run according to the guidelines of RESPECT. If you respect me, I will respect you. Specifically RESPECT in this classroom means: R Respond appropriately. Respect the rights of others. E Excellence only. Do your best. Just enough is not enough. S Stay in your personal space. Respect both the teacher and students and dont touch others things, sit in their desk, etc. You are expected to sit in your assigned seat. P Pay attention and participate. E Encourage, dont discourage. This class will have opportunities for discussion and disagreements may arise. Be sure you respond appropriately. Its okay to disagree, but not okay to put others down. C Come prepared to learn. This means being in class on time, with your materials, in your desk. You may not return to your locker for items you forgot, as you may not leave class the first or last fifteen minutes. T Take Responsibility for YOU. You are responsible for your own actions. Consequences: If the expectations are not met in the classroom, the following consequences will be enforced: 1st Offense: Verbal Warning 2nd Offense: Detention (20 minutes before or after school) and parent contact 3rd Offense: Office Referral All serious discipline issues are office referrals. Schoolwide Policies: All tardies require an admit slip from the office. Cell phones are not permitted and taken up. Dress code violations are sent to the office. Late Policy/Absences: Work is due on the dates assigned. All assignments are to be handed in at the beginning of the class period or they will be considered late. (That means if you leave it in your locker it is late!) Late work will be docked as follows: 5 additional points if turned in one or more days early Regular points given when turned in on due date 1 day late = minus15 points 2 days late = minus 30 points 3 days late = minus 50 points 4 or more days late = a score of 0 (zero) and will not be accepted. You are responsible for any work missed due to absences. See your teacher before or after school about missing assignments (not during class) Academic Honesty: As students, you are expected to exhibit qualities of integrity, citizenship, and strong moral character. With this said, cheating is not accepted in any circumstance. Students who are involved will receive no credit on the assignment/assessment parents will be called and a disciplinary referral will be issued. If you are uncertain about what constitutes Academic Dishonesty, see your teacher. Please refer to your handbook as well. Lost Textbooks Policy: The student will be charged the full replacement cost for any textbook lost, regardless of condition. Study Hall: Social Studies holds study hall on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 in my classroom. If you need extra help, or need to make up a missed test or quiz, you should make plans to stay after school. Student Signature: _________________________________________________________ Parent Signature: __________________________________________________________ Parent Email: ______________________________________________________________