Syllabus

AP U.S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS 2019-20

Ms. Loeffler Rostad (LR)

COURSE INTRODUCTION

“A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country.”

-George Washington

Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics is designed to provide students with a college-level political science course. The course and exam will cover the following topics:

The Constitutional Underpinnings of the U.S. Government (with the emphasis on federalism and separation of powers)
Political Beliefs and Behaviors (the foundation of the U.S. political culture)
Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media (understanding the mechanisms that allow citizens to organize and communicate their interests and concerns)
Institutions of National Government (organization, functions and powers of Congress, the Presidency, the bureaucracy, and the federal courts)
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (the development of individual rights and liberties and theri impact on citizens)
Public Policy (the result of interactions and dynamics among leaders, interests, institutions and processes)

AP Exam

Students have the opportunity to take the AP exam in the spring for college credit (depending on score and which institution they will attend in the fall). For further details on the exam and the course, please go to www.apcentral.collegeboard.com

Students are strongly encouraged to prepare for and take the AP exam. Review sessions will be held in the spring. The 2017 AP Exam is scheduled for May .

TEXT

O’Connor, Karen and Larry J. Sabato. American Government: Continuity and Change, 2009 Edition. Pearson/Longman. Text website www.ablongman/oconnor
Wolfford, David. United States Government and Politics: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination, 2015. (AMSCO text) Link for purchase option https://www.perfectionlearning.com/social-studies/advanced-placement/united-states-government-politics-ap-exam.html

CURRENT EVENTS

Students are responsible for keeping up with the daily events of the nation and world, especially as they pertain to our class. Many sources of news must be read or viewed on a daily basis. Students may want to skim the front pages of national newspapers (online) listen to radio news programs , watch TV news such as CNN, FOX News, MSNBC, PBS, or access an weekly newsmagazine or other online news source. Students need to practice and use critical thinking skills when interpreting the different perspectives and are expected to have current event knowledge, especially regarding topics related to this class.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

Upon successful completion of this course, you can receive college credit at your future college or university. Please check with that institution for their credit acceptance criteria of AP scores. The material is to be presented in a familiar fashion to college coursework, it will be more demanding than regular government and politics courses offered. This will demand significant time outside of class devoted to reading and writing, several days a week, approximately 4-5 hours per week. Your ability to manage your time well and act independently is important and key to your success. It is IMPERATIVE that you keep up on the reading expectations. Class discussions and activities assume you will come with the assigned reading completed, your failure to do so will not allow for you to successfully participate in our activities. They include the following:

Lectures, discussion (both small group and full-class) and note taking
Investigation and query of primary and secondary sources of a diverse type (readings, art, artifacts, and many other sources)
Quizzes from assigned readings--via google forms/classroom

Meeting the expectations above will prepare you for success on this AP exam and beyond. The AP experience may place greater demand on you than you are accustomed. It is likely you will need to consult with me one on one from time to time. I welcome the opportunity to help you and urge you to make arrangements to see me ASAP if you are experiencing difficulties with the course. I also encourage you to purchase the AMSCO version of the text (see above) and borrow or buy the AP review guides for this course.

CLASS POLICIES

Class discussion will be an integral part of this course. I will question you, you will question me, as well as one another. For our discussions to be productive, everyone has the right to respectfully express an opinion, backed with credible evidence and details to support it. Opinions are supported by facts. Some general guidelines:

Treat one another with kindness, respect, and patience
Keep the volume appropriate. Shouting over a classmate does not make your view more correct or pertinent
Come prepared--have your reading completed so you can fully participate

Other Policies to Consider

Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Most written work will be submitted via Google Classroom or turnitin.com to help minimize the likelihood of plagiarism. Please refer to the student planner for specific consequences.

CELL PHONES

Folks, I can't compete with your snap streaks. Unless specifically requested, your phone is AWAY: in your bag, pocket, or charging station at front of class. Notifications off. That's it.

Grading

A significant portion of your grade will be from summative tests. You will have practice formative quizzes via the Google classroom that you need to achieve 70% or better on prior to the summative test. Other required assignments, such as collaborative and written work will also contribute to your grade.

Additional policies to consider:

It is your responsibility to see me promptly regarding absences in a timely manner and arranging a time to meet. This would include scheduled and unscheduled absences.
Field trip attendance is at the discretion of the teacher
Completed, thorough work is accepted.
All school and district handbook policies are enforced in this classroom.

Be advised the teacher is under no obligation to accept late work after the assigned due date.

Skills Needed for Class

AMSCO AP Go Po book (also O’Connor for additional reading and content)
Be able to work in groups-this includes the social skills of good communication, respect for others, and doing your share of the work
Express your own opinions using evidence and facts, and listen to opposing points of view with respect of others
Be prepared for class discussions and get you work completed on time
Learn new and modify old study skills to best meet your desired level of success (graphic organizers, vocab flashcards, study groups, whatever else works for you)

COMMUNICATION

An approximation of your grade will be found on AH Connect, shortly after the conclusion of each unit. Final grades and learning will be assessed using all evidence of the quality of your work provided.

CONTACT ME if you are absent or if you have questions or concerns. You can reach me via school email at Heather.LoefflerRostad@ahschools.us or tweet me @therealHLR

You can find me either in my SSRC office (with the awesome orange chair) or see me in my room S106.

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