Old Redford Academy Preparatory

High School
2017-2018 Course Syllabus

Course: Civics/Government Grade: 10/11 Room#: 10

Instructor: Mrs. Nicholson-Bester Email: hnicolson-bester@oldredford.com
Conference Time: 3rd Hour; 10:10-11:10
Textbook: United States Government: Our Democracy
Semester: Fall 2017 # of Weeks: 20 Dates: September 5, 2017 January 26, 2018
Website Address: mrsbestersclass.weebly.com
Instagram: @mrsbesterinroom10

Course Description In this course, scholars will review the foundations of government, the origins of
American government, the constitution, federalism, the structure of congress,
congressional powers, federal, state, and local legislative branches, the presidency,
political parties, voting/elections, interest groups, financing government, making foreign
and defense policy, and social and domestic policy. Scholars will also analyze supreme
court cases, heavily debated policy topics, and deliberation. This course also includes
online resources for curriculum support.
Prerequisite classes No prerequisite is required.

Course Objectives 1. Understand and explain civic life, politics, and government.
2. Identify and explain the foundations of the American political system.
3. Explain the relationships of the United States to other nations and world affairs.
4. Explain the roles of citizens in American democracy.
5. Understand the principles of major government types throughout the world.
6. Analyze readings and develop responses that demonstrate critical thinking skills.
7. Apply course learning to current events.
8. Create projects and academic papers which demonstrate knowledge of course material.
Classroom Academic Students will be required to do the following work:
Requirements
Read assigned readings (at home and in-class) and watch assigned videos
Participate appropriately in class discussions and during group work
Maintain regular, punctual attendance
Complete daily Do Nows as assigned
Work cooperatively in groups as assigned
Complete weekly current events reports
Maintain an organized class binder
Write at least one formal essay per quarter
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 Discuss or debate topics weekly
Take and organize notes daily
Monthly/Weekly 9/5-9/8 Distribution of course rules, course syllabus, team building activities
Educational Calendar 9/11-9/15 Chapter 1: Foundations of Government
9/18-9/22 Chapter 4: Federalism
This calendar is subject 9/25-9/29 Chapter 2: Origins of the American Government
to change at the 10/2-10/6 Chapter 3: The Constitution
discretion of teacher. 10/9 10/13- Chapter 5: The Structure of Congress
10/16 10/20 Chapter 6: Congressional Powers
10/23 10/27- Chapter 7: Congress at Work
10/30 11/3- Chapter 8: State and Local Legislative Branches
11/6 11/10- Chapter 9: The Presidency
11/13 11/17- Chapter 10: Choosing the President
11/20 11/21- Intro to Chapter 11: Structure and Functions of the Executive Branch
11/27 11/30- Continue Chapter 11, Chapter 12: State and Local Branches
12/4 12/8- Chapters 13&14: The Judicial Branch- Federal and State Court; Supreme Court of
U.S.
12/11 12/15- Chapters 15 &16: Constitutional Freedoms and Rights
12/19 12/22- Chapters 17 & 18: Participating in Government; Political Parties, Voting &
Elections
1/8 1/12- Chapters 19 & 20: Public Opinion & Interest Groups; Mass Media
1/16 1/19- Chapters 21 & 22: Government in Action; Social & Domestic Policy
1/22 1/24- Chapters 23 & 24: Foreign & Defense Policy; Comparing Political & Economic
Systems
1/25 1/26-Mid Terms

Strategies Use of PowerPoint and computer technology, class discussions, rubrics, individual student
demonstrations in class, peer tutoring, small group study and presentations, journal writing,
small group debates, application of course knowledge to projects, intense use of vocabulary and
etymology in class assignments, use and application of research writing techniques.
Required Materials Students are required to BRING with them every class period: (You will not be allowed to go to
your locker to retrieve them.)

Pen or pencil
Lined-Paper
A sturdy 1 binder for notes and writing assignments with tabs
Students would be at an advantage to have access to a home computer and/or internet
access. If not, students will have to arrange for lab time at school or at a public library.
Students would be at an advantage to have access to a home computer and printer. If
not, students will have to arrange for lab-time at school or in a public library.

Grades & Scoring Graded work will be returned as promptly as possible. Late assignments will only be
Procedure accepted when accompanied by a signed Late Assignment Slip and will result in a 10%
reduction for each day that the assignment is late. After five days, the assignment is no
longer accepted. Major projects and research papers WILL NOT be accepted late.

Students are allowed to turn in work late without penalty IF they have an excused absence for
the date on which the assignment is due.

Students will receive a progress report on a bi-weekly basis and must have it signed by a parent
or guardian.

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Grading System Test 30%
Bellwork 10%
Project/Essays 15%
Quizzes 15%
Homework 10%
Classwork 10%
Participation 10%
Homework Students will receive homework at least 3 times a week. Home work will consist of research,
reflective, or descriptive writing. Homework must be turned in within the first 5 minutes
of the start of class.

Research Papers, Students will be given various opportunities to demonstrate their course knowledge through
Essays, and Projects many types of writing and hands-on projects.
Classroom Rules& 1.Each student is allotted five hall passes per semester. Once these are used up, students will no
Policies longer be allowed hall passes.
Consequences and 2. Cell phones should not be seen or heard. School policy will be followed.
Rewards 3. Arrive to class on time and prepared to learn- bring all required materials.
4. Respect yourself, and others.
(Please see the Student 5. Do not talk while others are speaking.
Code of Conduct) 6. School uniform policy will be enforced.
7. Kindness is key!
8. Clean up your mess- leave the room even better than it looked before you arrived.
9. Do not destroy, deface, or damage books or objects in the classroom.
10. Be alert and attentive during class time; no sleeping.
11. Do your best on all assignments.
12. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible to ask for help or to state an issue you
have in this class.
13. Overall, do things that will not prevent the teacher from teaching you or others.
14. No cheating or plagiarism. PLAGIARISM/CHEATING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
Plagiarizing is a form of cheating, and cheating is never acceptable. Plagiarism/cheating is
the taking of someone elses writing, work, ideas, etc. and not citing the source. If you are
caught, you will receive a score of 0 and may be subject to disciplinary action.
15. Follow all school rules as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

Both individual and whole class rewards will be implemented for positive behavior.

Being in the classroom is essential to learning, so restorative practices will be used

whenever possible. In the event that student behavior becomes disruptive to the
learning of others, parents will be contacted and students will be referred to the Dean
of Students.
Classroom Procedures - Quietly enter the classroom, turn in any homework, sit in your assigned seat and begin your
Bell Work (Do Now).
- Listen to and follow directions the first time they are given.
- Raise your hand and wait to be called upon before speaking.
- Remain in your seat unless otherwise directed by your teacher.
- The teacher dismisses you, not the bell.
Attendance &
Tardiness Students are responsible for attending all classes on time with the course materials ready to
(Please see the Student learn. If a student is tardy or absent from class, it is the responsibility of the student to
Code of Conduct) establish non-truancy or excused absence by one of the following methods:
1. Presenting a note from a parent, grandparent, or guardian.

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 2. Presenting a note from a nurse, physician or other health-care
professional.
3. Being involved in an approved school-related activity.
4. Presenting a note from an administrator, counselor, or instructor.

Students who do not present a note will be considered truant and will be subject to
disciplinary action as prescribed by the School Code of Conduct. This includes, but is not
limited to, detention and/or suspension from school.

Make-Up Missed In order for the student to receive make-up or missed assignments, parents must submit
Assignments a signed absence excuse within 3 days of the students return to school. All make-up or
(Please see the Student missed assignments will be accepted on the designated date prescribed by the teacher.
Code of Conduct.)
Tips for Success Come to class prepared
Do the work
Pay attention
Be organized
Save all graded assignments.
Bring any concern to the teachers attention as soon as possible. Do not wait
until report cards to tell me you have an issue.
Resources: The text book and supplementary materials are available online at:
connected.mcgraw-hill.com.

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 Course Syllabus Acknowledgement Form

Teacher: ________________________________

Course: _________________________________

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Student Name (Print) Date

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Student Signature Date

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Parent Signature Date